The Phoenix Suns are counting on Jordan Goodwin to be a key piece as they look to bounce back from a first-round playoff exit, which ended with a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026. Goodwin, 27, is coming off a career year and is in line for substantial minutes under head coach Jordan Ott as training camp nears. His defensive versatility and improving game make him a vital part of the Suns' plans to return to contention.
Goodwin's baseline is strong. He averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game last season. Those raw numbers only tell part of the story. The 6'3" guard is a major difference-maker on defense. He's disruptive at the point of attack and uses his wingspan to play bigger than his listed height. Coach Ott values players who can switch assignments, and Goodwin fits that mold perfectly. His energy and defensive instincts are non-negotiable for a Suns team that struggled to get stops in their recent series.
Scoring efficiency is the clear focus. Goodwin has gradually improved his three-point shot, hitting 37.1% from deep in 2025-26. That's a good start. But his efficiency as a scorer needs work. He's a below-average finisher for a guard and shot just 69.6% from the free-throw line last season. Improving in the paint and at the charity stripe will make him a more complete offensive threat. If he can turn good looks into consistent points, his value to the Suns' rotation skyrockets.
Almost certainly. His portability and defensive versatility make him an ideal candidate to slide to small forward. Goodwin doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective, which allows other creators to operate. This flexibility is a huge advantage for Coach Ott. It means Phoenix can deploy multi-positional lineups even if they aren't the biggest team on the floor. The Suns' depth at guard and wing, with players like Goodwin, gives them options many opponents can't match.
Goodwin's return to Phoenix, after a previous stint ended in a 2023-24 trade, adds a layer of stability. The team's recent form shows why they need him. Their playoff run ended with four consecutive losses after an opening win. The results were a 109-121 loss on April 25, a 120-107 loss on April 23, a 119-84 defeat on April 19, and a 135-103 win on April 13. Tightening up defensively and finding reliable role players are immediate priorities. Goodwin addresses both needs. Fans can track his progress and the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. His development could be one of the defining stories for Phoenix this season.
