After securing a $38 million extension, the former first-round pick discusses his desire to dominate the paint and propel Phoenix toward a guaranteed playoff seed this season.
The Phoenix Suns are set to bring back Mark Williams for a second season with the franchise after trading for him from the Charlotte Hornets.
Phoenix re-upped Williams on a three-year, $38 million contract in July after the former first-round pick appeared in a career-high 60 games last season, including flashing with multiple 20-point performances.
The future remains murky for the 24-year old, however, as Phoenix is investing much into the development of second-year Khaman Maluach and third-year Oso Ighodaro in the midst of Williams coming along.
Williams remains taking the possible uncertain future in stride this summer, giving James Kattato a valuable soundbite during a youth basketball camp he is hosting in Norfolk, Virginia.
"Yeah, it means a lot. Obviously, went through a lot my first couple years, so for them to believe in me to give me a chance and yeah, just establishing my myself. You know, being being a name, being a name. You know, you see on the scam reporting, y'all, and you just go, oh man, you know, I would say that's kind of my biggest thing. Just trying to go out there, dominate every single night, and you know, like I said, as a team, you know, get back to the playoffs, be in the top six seed."
Williams played in just 50% of his possible career games through three seasons, and ended up being at the center of the Los Angeles Laker reneging on a trade that would have teamed him up with Luka Doncic.
Medical concerns, a lack of faith in his progression, and the impending lucrative contract extension pried interested teams away from making a move, but Phoenix ultimately showed faith in him as a future piece of the organization. Williams' strong rebounding skills, high-flying play finishing, and serviceable rim protection provides enough of a cushion for Phoenix's operations in a season where the franchise hopes to make another run at the playoffs.
As for that goal, Williams is steadfast in shooting to improve upon the Suns' standing of the eight seed a season ago. There were numerous roadblocks that prevented the team from eclipsing 45 wins - including injuries - but the continuity, uptick in athleticism on the roster, and the hopes for a rejuvenated center rotation increase hopes that the Suns will sneak into the top six in the West in an ever-changing conference landscape.
