Red flags that were present for the Phoenix Suns became a full-on alarm on Sept. 11, when it came to light that center Mark Williams underwent surgery to repair a labrum tear. 

The center position - already a major concern for the Suns even with Williams in the fold - became a potential detriment to the franchise improving upon a 45-win benchmark set in 2025-26.

The development inherently thrusts third-year Oso Ighodaro and second-year Khaman Maluach into elevated roles with relative inexperience in the fold for each.

The questions surrounding Phoenix's rising center duo are very real.

Ben Golliver of ESPN brings up very valid points when arguing why this aspect of the Suns' roster is the biggest question overall.

The most important of them is that Phoenix played at a 46-win pace in the 60 games that Williams was active in last season. While some will argue the 24-year-old is a rather standard replacement-level player, he brought elite rebounding to the table that was invaluable. 

In extension of this point, Golliver argues that Ighodaro doesn't possess the requisite size to stack up with the physicality of the league on a day-by-day basis. There are fears that Maluach will struggle with stamina this season as well after spending extensive time at the G-League level.

These are all reasonable points to make when arguing to subdue hopes for the Suns as a complete team, but there are reasons to remain optimistic all-in-all.

There's little doubt that the Suns are very high on both Ighodaro and Maluach. The organization are investing a great deal into the development of each, and have for multiple years. 

While each have areas they must develop further in, there are signs that both Ighodaro and Maluach are making key strides - while also pushing one another to be better. 

The second preseason game was a major flash of potential playmaking growth from Maluach, who was making positive plays in a variety of ways - including as a screen-setter and passer. 

In Ighodaro's case, there are flashes of improving as a rebounder, as well as becoming more adept to handle the game-by-game grind that the NBA world offers. 

Ultimately, there are more signs that Phoenix will be able to withstand the absence of Williams rather than leaning into the contrary.