Suns center Mark Williams out to prove Hornets wrong after offseason trade
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Mark Williams will report to training camp with the Phoenix Suns on Sept. 25 determined to show the Charlotte Hornets they made a mistake in moving him this summer. Speaking at the Suns’ media day, the fourth-year center said being somewhere “you’re wanted” is refreshing and vowed to make his former club regret the deal every time he takes the floor.
The 23-year-old was nearly shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers at last season’s trade deadline, but that agreement collapsed over concerns about his physical. After averaging 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across his first three NBA campaigns, Williams now enters the final season of his rookie contract with Phoenix.
Suns general manager Brian Gregory noted that Williams has trained at the team facility “every day since July 1,” praising the 7-footer’s lower-body strength gains, work ethic and attitude. Head coach Jamahl Mosley is expected to open camp with Williams as the projected starter at center, though rookies Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro as well as veteran Nick Richards will also compete for minutes.
Booker stresses leadership role
During media day on Sept. 24, star guard Devin Booker told Arizona radio host John Gambadoro that last season’s roster lacked a unified direction. “I don’t think there was any hatred … I just think when you are all on a different plan and don’t have the same common goal, that’s what it turns into,” Booker said, adding that the past two years were the toughest of his career.
With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal no longer in Phoenix, Booker acknowledged he must be more vocal. “I’m going to use my voice always,” he said. “These guys are already hitting me with the right questions.”
G League rights swap
Phoenix’s G League affiliate, the Valley Suns, obtained the returning player rights to guards Damion Baugh and David Duke Jr.—both previously signed to Suns training-camp deals. In exchange, the Westchester Knicks received the rights to Cassius Stanley, Moses Wood, Mamadi Diakite, Quinndary Weatherspoon and Didi Louzada, plus a first- and a second-round pick.
Source: Hoops Rumors
