Phoenix Suns Make Bold Statement in 2025 NBA Draft by Doubling Down on Centers Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams for Future

The Phoenix Suns entered the 2025 NBA Draft facing immense pressure to retool their roster and reshape their future. After back-to-back playoff shortcomings, the franchise made it abundantly clear that the days of sticking to the status quo are over. With an aggressive and unconventional approach, the Suns used draft night to double down on a position they believe will redefine their success—the center spot. Phoenix shocked the NBA landscape by acquiring two towering defensive anchors: Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams, signaling their belief that size, rim protection, and interior presence will be the foundation of their next chapter.

The move reflects a dramatic philosophical shift for a franchise that has long relied on perimeter firepower and fast-paced basketball. But after years of watching teams like the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics thrive with size, versatility, and interior dominance, the Suns made their intentions clear. They are ready to embrace a more physically imposing identity, and they believe Maluach and Williams will be central to that transformation.

The first major domino fell when the Suns used their lottery selection on Khaman Maluach, the highly coveted 7-foot-2 center out of Duke. Maluach, one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft, brings an elite defensive skill set, raw athleticism, and untapped offensive potential. Scouts have raved about his timing as a shot blocker, his ability to guard in space, and his relentless energy on the glass. Despite being just 19 years old, Maluach’s ceiling has been compared to some of the game’s most dominant big men, with many projecting him as a future All-Defensive team mainstay.

For the Suns, the appeal of Maluach was obvious. After years of searching for a long-term solution at center, they finally landed a player with generational upside. But Phoenix wasn’t done reshaping their frontcourt. In a stunning draft-night trade, the Suns acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, giving up a package of future draft capital and rotational players to secure his services.

Williams, who entered the league as a first-round pick in 2022, has steadily developed into one of the NBA’s premier young rim protectors. Standing 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, his defensive impact has been undeniable. Last season, he ranked among the league leaders in blocked shots per 36 minutes and anchored Charlotte’s interior defense, even as the team struggled to find consistency elsewhere. His offensive game, though still developing, provides reliable lob-finishing, offensive rebounding, and screen-setting—all invaluable attributes for a team seeking structure around its perimeter stars.

Bringing in both Maluach and Williams is a statement. In an era where many teams prioritize small-ball lineups, spacing, and guard-centric offenses, Phoenix is zagging while others zig. But this isn’t just about being different for the sake of being different—the Suns are constructing a roster built to win playoff basketball, where size, defense, and rebounding become paramount.

General Manager James Jones addressed the media following the bold double-center move, defending the franchise’s vision. “We’ve seen time and time again in the postseason, size matters. It’s about controlling the paint, deterring shots at the rim, and winning the rebounding battle. Khaman and Mark give us the foundation to do that. We believe in them, and we believe in building a team that can physically impose its will on opponents.”

The Suns’ decision also provides clarity regarding the future direction of their core. With questions lingering about the aging Kevin Durant, the health of Bradley Beal, and the overall sustainability of their current stars, Phoenix is preparing for life beyond its current window. Maluach represents a long-term investment—a player with superstar potential who can be groomed into a franchise cornerstone. Williams, meanwhile, provides immediate stability and defensive impact, ensuring the Suns aren’t sacrificing competitiveness for the sake of development.

Critics of the Suns’ strategy have pointed out potential challenges with modern spacing, offensive fluidity, and fit. Playing two traditional centers in today’s NBA often invites concerns about floor spacing, offensive versatility, and defensive matchups on the perimeter. But Phoenix appears ready to embrace a different brand of basketball—one focused on overwhelming size, relentless rim protection, and old-school physicality.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer, brought in during the offseason to replace Frank Vogel, is no stranger to crafting elite defenses around dominant big men. His time with the Milwaukee Bucks saw him maximize the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, leading to a championship in 2021. Budenholzer expressed excitement about the new additions and dismissed concerns about stylistic fit.

“People always focus on trends, but championships are won with defense, toughness, and rebounding. I’ve coached teams with great size before, and I’ve seen firsthand how much that disrupts opponents. With Khaman and Mark, we’ll be able to protect the rim, control the boards, and make life miserable for teams trying to attack the paint,” Budenholzer explained.

The Suns’ revamped frontcourt also offers flexibility. While some expect Maluach and Williams to share the court, others anticipate rotational staggered minutes, ensuring Phoenix always has an elite defensive anchor on the floor. The duo’s presence also relieves pressure on forwards like Durant and Beal, who can focus on scoring without being overburdened by defensive responsibilities in the paint.

Furthermore, the acquisition of Williams brings an NBA-ready defensive presence, allowing Maluach to develop at his own pace without the pressure of immediately anchoring a playoff contender. That developmental runway could prove invaluable, particularly as Maluach adjusts to the physicality, speed, and demands of the NBA game.

For Suns fans, the draft marks a clear inflection point. After years of offensive fireworks and perimeter-centric basketball, Phoenix is shifting gears. The franchise that once dazzled the league with Steve Nash-led pick-and-rolls, fast breaks, and three-point barrages is now constructing an identity rooted in defense, size, and interior dominance. It’s a bold vision, but one rooted in the realities of modern playoff basketball.

The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered as the night the Suns charted a new course—one that defied conventional wisdom but underscored their hunger to compete for championships. Time will tell if doubling down on centers will yield the ultimate reward, but one thing is clear: the Suns are no longer content with simply being good. They want to be dominant, and they believe Maluach and Williams are the building blocks to make that vision a reality.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Phoenix. Can their unconventional bet on size and defense reshape the Western Conference hierarchy? Or will their gamble be remembered as a cautionary tale? Regardless, the Suns have made their intentions clear—the future runs through the paint, and with Khaman Maluach and Mark Williams patrolling the middle, opponents should be prepared for a far more physically imposing Phoenix Suns squad than they’ve seen in years.