Mark Williams has already silenced a ton of doubters

The Phoenix Suns began the new season with a 120-116 win over the Sacramento Kings Wednesday, and by far the nicest and most unexpected surprise of the night was the appearance of center Mark Williams. The 23-year-old didn't feature during preseason play, and any updates from head coach Jordan Ott were vague and did not inspire confidence.

Yet there was the former Charlotte Hornet, coming off the bench and managing 24 minutes, while also posting a team high 11 rebounds on the night. On top of that, the plus 11 he managed for the game when out there was also a team high. A hugely promising sign of things to come and a performance that already goes some way to vindicating the Suns' trade for him in the first place.

Williams will make a difference if he can stay healthy.

This was also a victory lap for the player given the criticisms of his defensive play coming into the season. He has regularly been called one of the worst protectors of the basket in the league, while his lack of explosiveness and athleticism given his age as a result of injuries didn't do much to change that narrative.

Yet Williams showed he can be a part of a defensive scheme that can work its way back from being 20 points down to pull out a win. Not getting to the free-throw line once was a problem, but this is not a time to pick apart the game of a guy who most expected to miss the start of the season.

To be seen in a Suns' uniform before Jalen Green - who hadn't missed a regular season contest in two years prior to the game - was nothing short of remarkable. Health is going to remain the big question here, but the fact rookie big Khaman Maluach was handed a DNP by coach Ott also spoke to how much of an impact Williams had.

Maluach looked ahead of schedule in preseason - from a defensive perspective at least - and the Suns are right to bring him along slowly. It would not be a surprise if he spent some time in the G League, but all of this is only possible if Williams continues to stay on the court and prove he can play with both the starters and second unit.

Second year big Oso Ighodaro has now taken on more importance given he can start in place of Williams when required - but if his body allows it - he will take that starting spot for himself soon. One game doesn't make a season - or a trade - but Mark Williams needed this more than any other player on the roster, and he shut down a lot of the talk around him in the process.