Mark Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and is out, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The Suns center's status shifted from day-to-day to out just as Phoenix prepares to open the 2026-27 season.
What happened
The Suns moved Mark Williams from day-to-day to out on Friday, Sept. 11, listing a left shoulder, arm injury. Williams underwent surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will miss an extended period of time, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Williams had been day-to-day earlier in the week: the injury report listed him with a left foot, leg issue on Sunday, Sept. 6, before Friday's shoulder designation and surgery replaced that entry.
What it means for the Suns
Williams averaged 11.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 23.6 minutes across 60 games last season, and he will not be available when Phoenix opens at the Pistons on Monday, Oct. 5. With no regular-season games played yet in 2026-27, the Suns have no record with or without him this season. Based on minutes logged in games Williams has missed, Oso Ighodaro (22.1 minutes, 6.5 points) is the leading option to cover frontcourt minutes, alongside a backcourt-heavy rotation led by Devin Booker (33.5 minutes, 26.1 points), Dillon Brooks (30.4 minutes, 20.2 points) and Jalen Green (25.9 minutes, 17.8 points).
What to watch
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1, though Charania's report describes an extended absence following the labrum surgery, leaving his availability for the Oct. 5 opener at Detroit unclear. The Suns will need updated injury reports in the coming weeks to confirm any timetable. Phoenix's other reported issue is CJ Huntley, listed day-to-day with a hamstring injury.
Is Mark Williams playing at Pistons?
No. Williams is out with a left shoulder injury after surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. He will not play when the Suns open at the Pistons on Monday, Oct. 5.
When will Mark Williams be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 1, but Charania reported Williams will miss an extended period of time after surgery, so no confirmed return date beyond that has been announced.