Jordan Goodwin is back in the mix for the Suns, and that’s a welcome sight for Jordan Ott - even if it complicates the rotation a bit.
Goodwin missed the last six games with a right calf injury, and Phoenix treated it carefully because the issue was similar to what he dealt with last season. The Suns managed to pick up some important wins without him, but his defensive impact was clearly missed.
Now the question is how the minutes shake out. Ryan Dunn has been the one filling that role and has earned real playing time in the process.
He’s brought energy on defense, knocked down corner threes, and given Phoenix the kind of spark that’s hard to pull from the lineup. Even Goodwin noticed the jump Dunn has made since the offseason.
Still, the return of the veteran forward gives the Suns another trusted option, and Ott was clear about what he brings. “I think he's had a great start to the season offensively, being great in the paint when he gets there and then in the three-point shooting; he's really developed into a really good three-point shooter. So, good to have him back up,” Ott explained pregame.
There wasn’t much said about a minutes restriction, though the schedule suggests Phoenix may take a cautious approach. The Suns are in the middle of three games in five days, with matchups against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
For Phoenix, getting Goodwin’s defensive energy and steady offense back in the fold is a boost. The only catch is figuring out how to fit him in without losing what Dunn has given them over the last six games.
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