Mark Williams to miss five months after shoulder surgery

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is expected to miss approximately five months following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The injury occurred during an offseason workout.

The 24-year-old, who joined the Suns from the Charlotte Hornets, was viewed as a key component for the team’s defensive and rebounding strategy for the upcoming season. Williams recently signed a three-year, $38 million contract following a season where he played a career-high 60 games.

With Williams sidelined, the Suns are expected to increase the playing time of Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach in the center rotation. If his rehabilitation proceeds without setbacks, Williams could potentially return to the lineup in February.