Jordan Goodwin Emerging as Pivotal PG for Suns

The Phoenix Suns had many questions heading into the 2023-24 season, though discussions surrounding the point guard position only grew with departures of Chris Paul, Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet via trades over the summer. 

Devin Booker was expected to handle starting point duties, and thus far Booker has thrived in his new role. 

There were also concerns regarding who would steady the ship with the second unit - but thus far Jordan Goodwin has proven himself as more than capable of holding that honor.

Seen as an afterthought in the trade package from Washington that landed Bradley Beal, Goodwin has made the most of his opportunities to begin the season. 

His latest performance featured 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal in the win over Memphis to help extend Phoenix's winning streak to six games. 

“He was great. He's had some ups and downs this year. We've been challenging him as a coaching staff to be better on both sides of the ball. He competes defensively but staying within the framework of what we're asking him to do from a scheme standpoint," Suns coach Frank Vogel said following the win.

"He's had some stretches where he struggled with shot making. So, to see it all come together for him, was a great night for all of us. As coaches, trying to challenge a player and see him respond-- for him to respond. Him and Josh Okogie during that second half stretch really put together some tenacious defensive possessions consecutively. We held a team at 89 points in the modern NBA. I don't care what team it is, what they're facing from an injury standpoint, that's hard to do. Jordan was a big part of that.”

In a season that has now seen prominent names such as Kevin Durant, Booker and Beal miss games due to injury, the Suns have called upon various role players to answer the bell. 

Goodwin has essentially cemented himself as the reliable backup role in Phoenix, and our own Kevin Hicks agreed, highlighting Goodwin in his "what we learned" piece which can be read below:

Over the course of the regular season, the Suns will need varying bodies to step up on a nightly basis. Sure, Booker will collect his points and do his damage - but for Phoenix to reach their full potential, role players will be called upon. 

Though he's still finding his footing, it's hard to deny Goodwin is carving out a nice place within Vogel's rotation.