Paul Coro

azcentral sports

When starring at California-Santa Barbara and the NBA Summer League did not land Alan Williams an NBA contract last year, Williams said he was more motivated than ever to reach the NBA as he left his Phoenix home to play in Qingdao, China.

A year later, Williams has a guaranteed contract with his hometown Suns.

Williams played the final five weeks of last season with the Suns and his contract became guaranteed at 2 p.m. Thursday once the Suns kept him on the roster for $874,636 next season.

“It was an easy decision for us,” Suns General Manager 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.”

RELATED: Williams likely to stay on Suns roster

MORE: Williams puts bang in NBA Summer League

Williams, 23, is a 6-foot-8, 260-pound center with a 7-2 wingspan - and roots in Phoenix. He graduated from North High, which is three miles away from his pro workplace at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Williams was an all-NBA Summer League first team honoree this year, when he averaged 11.8 points and 11.2 rebounds over six games. He has led the NCAA, Chinese Basketball Association and two NBA Summer Leagues in rebounding. This year, he shot 46 percent from the field at NBA Summer League and made 27 of 31 free throws, showing a knack for fouls drawn and delivered.

Williams became a popular teammate last season for his exuberance from the bench and his solid screens and dives for loose balls on the court. He closed the Suns regular season with a 14-point, 12-rebound, three-block performance.

Williams is the Suns’ 14th player with a guaranteed contract for next season. They can carry up to 15 players in the regular season.

Reach Paul Coro at paul.coro@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-2470. Follow him attwitter.com/paulcoro.