Last week, the Phoenix Suns lost starting center Mark Williams to a shoulder injury that required surgery which would then keep him out for a good chunk of the 2026-27 season. This is a big blow for both Williams and the Suns; Williams suited up in 60 games last season for Phoenix in a feel-good season that saw them earn a playoff berth, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in four games in the first round.

With Williams now on the mend, the Suns decided that they needed to beef up their center rotation. To that end, they signed Australian international Duop Reath, as per Shams Charania of ESPN.

Reath played 32 games last season for the Portland Trail Blazers before they traded him to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal for Vit Krejci. The Hawks then waived Reath because he was out for the season after suffering a stress fracture which required surgery.

Reath at least provides a different dimension for the Suns at center. Phoenix had a surprisingly good 2025-26 season (45 wins) thanks to their scrappy defense and their ability to get up three-point shots at volume. Reath at least helps with their floor-spacing, as he has shown the ability to make threes over his past three seasons in the NBA.

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The 30-year-old big man is a career 35.7% shooter from three, and last season, on limited attempts, he made 41.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Suffice to say, opposing defenses at least have to respect him when he steps out beyond the arc.

Nonetheless, Oso Ighodaro remains the likeliest candidate to replace Williams in the starting lineup. Khaman Maluach, in Year 2 with the team, also figures to play a role for the Suns. In fact, Maluach could be the high-upside play for Phoenix, although he's only 20 years of age and he might not be ready yet to be a full-time starter.

Reath at least provides insurance for the Suns. In 146 career games in the NBA, the 30-year-old is averaging 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest.