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The Suns have a center debate, and fans have picked a side

The Phoenix Suns enter the regular season with a critical question at their center: who will start at the pivot? With Mark Williams sidelined by injury, the team has turned to two young prospects, Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, to fill the void.

A recent fan survey revealed a clear preference, as 67% of respondents backed Maluach for the starting role, though the decision remains far from settled. Head coach Jordan Ott has shown flexibility in the preseason, alternating between the two players, including two starts for Maluach against the San Antonio Spurs—a team featuring Victor Wembanyama.

While Ighodaro’s experience and stabilizing presence may lean the scales in his favor, Ott’s willingness to experiment suggests he’s evaluating both players closely. The stakes are high for Maluach, a lottery pick with untapped potential, as consistent playing time could accelerate his development in his second NBA season.

Meanwhile, the Suns’ projected 38.5 wins—set before Williams’ injury—reflects lingering skepticism about their depth at center, even as the team prepares for the long haul of an 82-game campaign.

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