Jordan Goodwin is one of the most underrated players in the NBA

Fourteen months ago, Jordan Goodwin was a waiver claim. He was fighting for a 14th roster spot.

Now he’s one of the first guys every Suns fan points to when somebody asks what changed in this building. Dillon Brooks gets the lion’s share of credit, and deservedly so. But Jordan Goodwin’s impact should not be discounted.

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His energy, effort, and overall attitude every time he steps between the lines is contagious. And he’s only getting better.

Rewind: Shams reported the Suns would keep the 6’3″ combo guard for the 2025-26 season after he won a training camp battle, with guard Jared Butler believed to be his main competition for that final spot. This was after Butler had a monster preseason, and some Suns fans questioned the decision. A year later, he agreed to a three-year, $19 million deal to stay in Phoenix in June 2026.

Suns fans know by now… it’s no secret. Some national people know, but not to the extent they should. He is not talked about enough. And he certainly needs to be in the conversation about being an All-Defensive team guy. Because he is, and should have been last year.

In Detroit, Goodwin put up seven points on 3-of-6 shooting, six rebounds and three steals in just 11 minutes. Two nights later in Chicago, he had five points, six steals, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes off the bench.

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That is nine steals and nine rebounds in 27 total minutes. I’ll repeat that.

Nine Steals and Nine Rebounds in 27 minutes.

This was no preseason fluke either… Suns fans know this is what he does. Goodie led the Suns with 106 steals last season, averaging 2.4 steals per 36 minutes (almost the most on the team).

He plays way bigger than 6’3″. At times, it feels like having an extra forward on the court.

Goodwin was second on the team with 136 offensive rebounds and was one of five guards in the league who averaged more than two offensive boards per game. Against the Pistons, three of his six rebounds came on the offensive glass. He is perhaps the best rebounding guard in the NBA, especially if you filter that to 6’3″ and under.

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Crashing the glass. Swiping the ball. Diving…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jordan-goodwin-one-most-underrated-190000436.html

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Publish date : 2026-10-09 19:00:00

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