Suns' Alan Williams: Contract fully guaranteed for 2016-17

Williams' contract for the 2016-17 season became officially guaranteed Thursday, Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic reports. "It was an easy decision for us," Suns GM Ryan McDonough said. "He's played well at two summer leagues. He's really improved from the end of last season. He's transformed his body. He's developing his touch outside the paint and added a push shot."

Analysis:

Williams' affordable $874,636 contract also undoubtedly factored into McDonough's calculus, but the fact that he's assured a roster spot is likely comforting enough for the 23-year-old, who began last season in the Chinese Basketball Association before latching on with the Suns in March. Though he's undersized compared to most NBA centers (6-foot-8, 260 pounds), Williams makes up for it with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, a penchant for drawing fouls on opposing defenders and high effort on the defensive end. He's expected to open the season third on the depth chart at center behind Tyson Chandler and Alex Len.