One of the great mysteries that remains unanswered for the Phoenix Suns is simple - who is starting at center?

The injury to Mark Williams is rendering a battle between third-year Oso Ighodaro and second-year Khaman Maluach by default.

Below is a conversation centering around why each has a worthy case - not around the possible faults that may prevent each from assuming the role.

The 24-year-old certainly seems to be the "safer" option to start at the moment. 

Ighodaro has extensive experience at both the college and pro level. The Marquette product is also the beneficiary of starting 24 regular season games in 2025-26, as well as all four playoff games.

The center is an exceptional offensive hub on the high block. He tends to play with incredible pacing and work a step ahead of the defense as a passer in these situations. He also owns a trusty floater that allows him to maneuver more effectively in the lane against bigger players. 

Defensively is where Ighodaro doesn't receive enough credit. The 6'11" forward is athletic enough laterally to guard the perimeter in spurts, while also generally playing principled at the rim. 

While Ighodaro has his own set of credentials that give him an upper-hand in this battle, Maluach owns upside that the former may not have.

The 2025 #10 overall pick is flashing extreme upside in multiple facets of the game. This includes as a rebounder (on both ends), a rim protector, and an all-encompassing scorer. 

Sure, there's more chances for Maluach to experience lapses from time-to-time, but watching the Duke product compete at a very high level against Victor Wembanyama is telling when attempting to scope his overall upside. 

The 7-footer is truly the whole package. He has exceptional hands (catching lobs/grabbing rebounds), moves very fluidly around the court, owns a jump shot that can be utilized within the flow of Phoenix's offense, and offers value as a mismatch in the roll game. 

The choice between the two isn't a simple one. Many different conversations must take place before reaching a verdict. However, it's challenging to overlook what the 20-year-old can become with greater responsibility and more run in 2026-27. 

The decision will become official on Wednesday night when the Suns take on the Portland Trail Blazers to open the regular season.