The Phoenix Suns will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening game of the NBA preseason.
The two Western Conference sides have locked the corners multiple times, and it’s natural for fans to get hyped about the matchup.
After all, both the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers each made some important changes to their roster.
Speaking of the Suns, the organization swapped for Mark Williams. Yes, they were the same players the Lakers traded last season, but decided to withdraw the trade.
Given Williams is still furious with the Lakers for withdrawing trade, many were hoping to take control of Purple and Gold in the preseason opening game.
Unfortunately, Williams was removed from the match, according to AZ Central’s Duane Rankin. The silver lining is that Suns head coach Jordan Ott was pretty impressed with Williams’ growth in the offseason.
“Since July 1st, he’s been here more than anyone else and cultivates his strength. I think he’s more than doubled his low-stamina during that period,” Otto told Rankin.
He added:
“We know what his last three years have been (in Charlotte), so he’s planning for what’s going on.”
Williams is a talented center, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential with the Charlotte Hornets.
It’s great to see OTT and his coaching staff not rushing back Williams.
Following their matchup with the Lakers on October 3, 2025, the Suns are scheduled to play four more games in the preseason.
This includes a two-game trip to China to lock the corner against Brooklyn Net. So Will Williams travel to China with his team?
“I don’t think anything will change before my trip to China. So when I get home from my trip to China, we will continue to appreciate him. He is still doing everything he can.
Williams appears to be on the sidelines until the Suns’ regular season opening match against the Sacramento Kings on October 22, 2025. Ott is ready for that scenario as his top priority remains Williams’ fitness.
“We are trying to assess exactly where he is, and the goal at the end of camp is as prepared as he can.
“He’s on a good path. As I said, all the drill work you’ve seen him. It’s not just 5-5,” Ott concluded.
Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game last season. With these numbers in mind, it’s certainly worth waiting for him to be healthy.