Jordan Goodwin Is Making the Case to Stay in Phoenix - For Good
Jordan Goodwin’s journey over the past two seasons has been anything but linear, but one thing’s become clear: when he’s in a Suns uniform, he makes an impact. After playing 40 games for Phoenix in 2023-24 and showing serious promise, he was moved as part of the trade that brought in Royce O’Neale - a deal that sent Goodwin to Brooklyn, where he was promptly waived.
What followed was a brief tour around the league - stops in Memphis and Los Angeles - before the Suns brought him back. And since his return?
He’s been exactly what they’ve needed.
Now, the Suns front office has another decision to make. And this time, they’ve got the benefit of hindsight.
Goodwin’s second stint in Phoenix has only reinforced what was already obvious during his first: he’s a winning player. He defends, he competes, and he gives the Suns a gritty, versatile presence in the backcourt that they simply don’t have elsewhere on the roster. He’s not just filling minutes - he’s changing games.
A Defensive Spark the Suns Can’t Afford to Lose
Let’s talk defense. The Suns were near the bottom of the league in defensive rating last season.
This year, they’ve clawed their way to a respectable No. 15 - and while that might not sound like much, for a team that struggled as badly as Phoenix did on that end, it’s a huge leap. That improvement hasn’t happened by accident.
Jordan Goodwin - alongside defensive-minded additions like Dillon Brooks - has been a major reason for that turnaround. His ability to pressure the ball, fight through screens, and make life miserable for opposing guards gives the Suns a different edge.
He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and it shows. Every possession.
Every night.
Replacing that kind of defensive energy is harder than it looks. And the beauty of the current situation? Phoenix doesn’t have to replace it - not if they act quickly and lock him up before another team swoops in.
A Role Player Who Knows His Role - and Thrives in It
Offensively, Goodwin’s game has grown, too. He’s shooting the three better than he ever has, and while it’s fair to expect some regression over the course of a full season, his value doesn’t hinge on shooting alone.
He’s a smart, instinctive player who understands spacing, moves the ball, and doesn’t try to do too much. That’s the kind of role player every coach wants - and Jordan Ott seems to know it.
He’s leaned on Goodwin consistently since his return, and the results speak for themselves.
This isn’t a case of a player putting up empty numbers on a bad team. Goodwin is helping the Suns win games.
He’s doing it on both ends of the floor. And he’s doing it in a role that highlights what he does best.
A Cult Hero in the Making
It’s not just the numbers - it’s the vibe. Jordan Goodwin is becoming a fan favorite in Phoenix, and it’s easy to see why.
He plays hard, he plays smart, and he plays with purpose. He’s the kind of under-the-radar contributor that fans rally around - a guy who might not make the highlight reels, but makes the team better every time he steps on the floor.
In a season where expectations were low and outside voices were writing the Suns off, Goodwin has helped flip the script. This team is fun.
They’re competitive. And they’ve got a group of guys who believe in each other.
Goodwin is a big part of that identity.
Time to Make It Official
At this point, the question isn’t whether Jordan Goodwin belongs in the NBA - it’s why he’s still bouncing around on short-term deals. When given a defined role, he delivers.
When trusted by his coaching staff, he responds. And when the lights come on, he competes.
The Suns let him walk once. It made sense at the time - Royce O’Neale brought a veteran presence and filled a need.
But now, they’ve got both players. That’s a win.
So why not make it a long-term one?
Signing Goodwin to a multi-year deal wouldn’t break the bank, and it would solidify one of the team’s most reliable two-way contributors. It’s the kind of move that smart organizations make - keeping the glue guys who help elevate the stars.
Letting him go again? That’s a mistake Phoenix can’t afford to make twice.