Suns Struck Gold by Giving Jordan Goodwin a Second Chance

It appears that the second time is the charm for the Phoenix Suns.

The Jordan Goodwin experience didn't gain the traction that Phoenix shot for during the 2023-24 season. However, a second wind came when Brian Gregory brought Goodwin back in the summer of 2025. 

Since then, the Saint Louis alum hasn't done anything but endear himself to the Phoenix fanbase. This is due to a mix of tireless energy, timely shotmaking, and becoming one of the faces of the culture reset from within the organization.

Goodwin spoke about his trademark infectious energy following Wednesday's practice, clearly embracing his role as a spark plug and leader simultaneously. 

"I just bring energy. I feel like I'm always on edge when I walk into the arena. Like today in practice, I was on edge. I was hyped up, turned up for no reason today. When I walk in the arena, I'm already there." 

Goodwin's energy results in elite offensive rebounding numbers for his size, as well as a large volume of ball deflections and turnovers created - particularly when teaming up with Collin Gillespie.

Independent of energy, Goodwin brings numerous positives to the court as a scorer/playmaker. This includes a high volume of above-the-break three point attempts, being turnover-averse, and being in the 64th percentile when it comes to offensive impact. 

Despite the production that Goodwin brought forward winning the Suns games last season, it's the infectious energy that makes his three-year, $19 million deal an extreme value.

The first stint in Phoenix didn't work out for a variety of reasons. Among those was the climate of the Phoenix locker room, which didn't support an environment of hustle/energy/grit. While Bradley Beal insisting Goodwin come to Phoenix with him was a key factor in this becoming a reality, the pairing didn't get off the ground over the beginning stretch of the 2023-24 season.

This is where Goodwin reinvented himself beyond these aspects, becoming a better shooter, ball-handler, and finisher in the process. Now, he is fully locked into a key bench role in a second unit that is among the NBA's best. 

The most significant development of all is that head coach Jordan Ott very much prescribes to and believes in Goodwin's approach to the game, as do his teammates. The 27-year-old is heading into the new year as one of the most slept on guards in the entire league. and the Suns hope this stays the same. 

There's a very real possibility that Goodwin outperforms his expectations in 2026-27, with being able to mix-and-match into different Suns' rotations serving as a catalyst for maximizing what the 6'3" guard is able to accomplish over the next 82 regular season games.