Mark Williams on fit with the Suns this season: ‘It’s felt like home’

Suns center Mark Williams said he has felt right at home since joining Phoenix this season. 

“I love it here in Phoenix. It’s felt like home since I’ve been here, and I’ve been working super hard and the staff has done a great job with me keeping me on the floor,” Williams told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Tuesday.

It’s been a different atmosphere for Williams after an injury-riddled season with the Charlotte Hornets last year that saw him only play in 44 games.

On top of that, Williams was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 6 for a package that included Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, one unprotected first-round pick and one first-round pick swap. However, the trade was rescinded two days later after Williams failed a physical.

Following the season, Williams had a feeling he would be moved again, which happened on June 30 when he was traded to the Suns for a package that included a 2029 first-round pick. 

“After the season ended in Charlotte, I kind of already made the assumption I was gonna to get traded,” Williams said. “For me, I kind of already was in that mind space that I wasn’t going to be in Charlotte anymore so I was kind of already past that.”

In 20 games this season, Williams is averaging 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Williams is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday where he scored a season-high 22 points (including making his first 3-pointer) and grabbed seven rebounds.

Williams, who is a restricted free agent following this season, expressed his interest on Tuesday in staying with the Suns long-term.

“It’s somewhere where I would want to be. Since I’ve been here, it’s felt super inclusive,” Williams said. “This staff has done a great job putting a plan in place, keeping me on the floor this summer, preparing my body to endure a full season.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been feeling good and feel like I’m producing and I am only going to continue to get better. It’s been great here.”

Williams praises Dillon Brooks for energy, leadership on Suns

Williams added that Dillon Brooks has been important to the Suns’ success this season and that his energy has been contagious throughout the rest of the team.

“When you’re on the other side (of Brooks), you’re like ‘oh my gosh, we’re playing this guy again’ like you hate to play him, but when he’s on your team you love him,” Williams said.

“His energy is super infectious. He makes you want play harder. He’s bringing that intensity every single night. His competitive edge is something you want on a team.”

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