PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns may have found one of the league’s best under-the-radar pickups. And if their defense makes a leap this season, Jordan Goodwin will likely be a big reason why.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale reviewed every NBA team’s most disrespected hidden gem for the 2025-2026 season, and one of the newest Phoenix Suns was his top choice.
Goodwin was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Lakers and returns to the Valley better than before. The 26-year-old shot a career high 38.2% from the 3-point line in 29 games last season and will build on that in Phoenix.
Oct 19, 2023; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (0) dribbles the ball past Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first quarter at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Favale on what Goodwin brings to Suns:
“The 26-year-old is a ball-hound…even when he’s not on it. He battles through screens, stands the test of high-end isolation scorers, party-crashes passing lanes and tracks down boards atypical for someone standing 6’3″.”
Jan 19, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (0) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Cody Zeller (40) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers waived Goodwin to make room for former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart. The Suns will benefit greatly with their division rivals decision, as the four-year NBA guard is the protocol three-and-D player in today’s league. Despite only being 6’3, Goodwin uses his physicality to his strength when guarding on the perimeter.
Last season, the roster lacked much authority on the perimeter when guarding opposing ball handlers. Goodwin will be a viable answer to fix that hole, as his screen navigation is a crucial skill to have an elite defense. Phoenix can run a deadly defensive lineup of Devin Booker-Goodwin-Dillon Brooks-Ryan Dunn-Mark Williams that has great switchability from one through four.
Dec 17, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (0) blocks a shot from Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (8) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns’ 117.7 defensive rating was the fourth-worst in the association last season. Goodwin headlines the next crop of gritty defenders on the roster that will slashed that rating down.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
