Debating What Successful Season Is for Phoenix Suns After Mark Williams Injury

There are many directions in which the 2026-27 season can go for the Phoenix Suns.

This follows starting center Mark Williams undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum. Some sense of panic is permeating amongst the fanbase, which is understandable following a playoff berth during the 2025-26 campaign.

The question that is ultimately raised - what constitutes a successful season for head coach Jordan Ott and company?

The loss of Williams opens a can of worms for the coaching staff, who are now rolling with only two natural "bigs" on standard NBA deals. This will challenge the staff greatly, and will also place pressure on Khaman Maluach/Oso Ighodaro to take a heavy burden on the floor, particularly in the rebounding department.

The numbers (and momentum) are trending against the Suns at the moment. Phoenix was an above-average defense in 2025-26, but were an average offense - all things considered. The dip in depth that is already at hand is difficult to overcome (along with integrating F Miles Bridges into the lineup), however a successful season is still within sight. 

Phoenix (and Ott) have a quality group of guards to lean on. It's reasonable to expect Ighodaro and Maluach to take leaps forward in their own right. Bridges brings upside to the roster that arguably wasn't there before the trade. The depth that GM Brian Gregory has built up in recent months should come to great use as well.

Phoenix's blend of depth, portability, athleticism, and built-in camaraderie sets the stage for a quality start to the season - even fighting through adversity.  

At the end of the day, it's challenging to label a non-playoffs season as a success, but sights should be set on more than just a win-loss record. A winning season is obviously important, but the growth of the coaching staff/under-25 roster, the progression of Bridges in a new system, and how Phoenix shoots from beyond the arc as a team unit. 

All in all, Suns fans need to feel confident in the future of the organization after this season. Whether this is by virtue of Jalen Green fully breaking out, Peat making a statement as a rookie, or the Suns breaking the 50-win plateau - there has to be multiple positives taken out of the campaign. 

Time is quickly approaching for the Suns' season to come into fold, as training camp opens up in two weeks.