Suns Weigh Ighodaro and Maluach for Starting Center Role

The Phoenix Suns face a key lineup decision ahead of their 2026-27 NBA season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, as Mark Williams' injury leaves Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach competing for the starting center position. Coach Jordan Ott must weigh Ighodaro's experience and versatility against Maluach's defensive potential and long-term upside. The decision could influence Phoenix's interior defense, rebounding and offensive coordination.

Reports published by Yahoo Sports, Bright Side of the Sun and Roundtable between October 17 and 20 identified the center position as a major uncertainty as the Suns prepare for the regular season. Ighodaro, 24, enters the competition with substantial college and professional experience. According to Yahoo Sports, the Marquette product started 24 regular-season games and all four playoff games during the 2025-26 campaign, giving him a stronger record of handling consistent minutes.

His offensive strengths include facilitating from the high post, making timely passes and using a reliable floater in the lane. Defensively, the 6-foot-11 forward can switch onto perimeter players in certain situations while maintaining disciplined positioning around the basket.

Maluach, a 20-year-old selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, offers a different profile. His rebounding at both ends, rim protection, finishing ability and mobility give Phoenix an opportunity to add a more imposing interior presence. Bright Side of the Sun reported that 67% of respondents in its fan survey preferred Maluach as the starting center. His preseason performances also strengthened his case, particularly in two games against the San Antonio Spurs, whose roster includes Victor Wembanyama.

Maluach started both games against San Antonio and also received the starting assignment in Phoenix's preseason finale. Those opportunities gave Ott additional evidence to evaluate the young center before selecting his opening-night lineup. Bright Side of the Sun reported that Maluach recorded 16.2 combined rebounds, steals and blocks per 36 minutes across five preseason appearances. For comparison, Wembanyama averaged 19.2 in the same statistical category per 36 minutes last season and recorded 17.7 during the preseason.

Those figures provide an early indication of Maluach's defensive activity, although his limited preseason sample does not establish how he will perform over a full NBA season. His development and ability to maintain consistency remain important considerations. Ighodaro's experience and passing could make him a better fit when Phoenix needs mobility and offensive connectivity.

Maluach's size and shot-blocking potential could prove more valuable against opponents with stronger interior threats, leaving open the possibility of matchup-dependent decisions. The broader lineup presents additional challenges for Phoenix, according to Roundtable's October 18 report. Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports projected that the starting group might need until January to develop effective chemistry, raising concerns about the team's ability to establish consistency early in the season.

Roundtable also identified the possibility of changes in the backcourt if the initial arrangement struggles. Collin Gillespie could become an alternative alongside Devin Booker because of his shooting consistency and defensive pressure, while the team continues to assess Jalen Green's development as a playmaker.

Three-point shooting is another concern. Roundtable reported that no player in the projected starting lineup had shot above 35% from beyond the arc, highlighting a potential limitation for an offense that must balance perimeter scoring with its interior options. Rebounding will also require collective effort in Williams' absence.

Although Ighodaro, Dillon Brooks and Mikal Bridges can contribute on the glass, Roundtable noted that the projected lineup lacks a dominant rebounder comparable to the presence Williams could provide when available. The Suns open their regular-season schedule against Portland on October 21. The starting center selection will provide the first indication of how Ott intends to manage the position while Williams remains sidelined.