The Phoenix Suns made some massive roster changes this offseason, yet despite this two of their presumed starting five are yet to suit up for the franchise. With preseason play now in the books, fans and coaching staff alike still haven't had the opportunity to see just what guard Jalen Green and center Mark Williams can bring to this group.
The situation with Green is simple, and may even end up being a blessing in disguise. His hamstring issue is only likely to keep him out of the first couple of weeks of the campaign, which will give Devin Booker more time to settle in as the lead playmaker here. For center Mark Williams however, the bigger picture remains murky.
Bill Simmons crushes Suns for trading for Williams this summer.
Bill Simmons was on his podcast on The Ringer to break down the over/unders for the Western Conference ahead of the new season, and he had plenty to say about the Suns. Much like Zach Lowe, he's not sure how all the pieces will fit together on this roster. Contrast that with Joe House, who actually thinks the Suns are being slept on and could make the play-in tournament.
Nestled in the conversation between the trio were Simmons' thoughts on Willams - the 23-year-old former Charlotte Hornet that the Suns gave up two first round picks for this offseason - and they were not good. Simmons pointing out that franchises don't generally give up on players that young who have clear upside unless they're pretty confident that upside will never materialize.
Simmons also rightly highlighted the fact that no team is trading a good, young center in today's NBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers have already vetoed a deal for him once before at the deadline. The fact they went and signed Deandre Ayton of all players tells you how difficult it is to find a mobile big who wants to defend and can be on the court in crunch time.
Williams isn't even all of those things, as he was one of the worst rim protectors in the league last season. The 44 games he managed were also a career high, not to mention the fact he's now eligible for an extension on his rookie deal too. Williams was treated like a starting level big man in how the Suns traded two firsts to acquire him, so he's right to expect to be paid like one.
The most recent update on how Williams is progressing was positive, with the center participating in 5-v-5 drills on the court. But quite what he is rehabbing or coming back from is unclear, while footage of him running doesn't look particularly encouraging either. He still appears labored, and Simmons may unfortunately be right on this one, as the Williams era is not off to a great start in Phoenix.