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3 young players the Phoenix Suns need to develop

Luke Duffy|
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Goodwin #7 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on November 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 12: Jordan Goodwin #7 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on November 12, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 22: Jordan Goodwin of the Washington Wizards dives to keep the ball in play. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 22: Jordan Goodwin of the Washington Wizards dives to keep the ball in play. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

3 young players the Phoenix Suns need to develop.

1. Jordan Goodwin

Jordan Goodwin was seen by most as an afterthought in the deal that sent Beal from the Washington Wizards to the Suns. A throw-in to make everything balance on both ends. For the Suns he can be much more than this however, and the importance of developing the 24-year-old quickly is imperative.

With Chris Paul being sent out in the Beal deal, and with Cam Payne now reviving his stock with the San Antonio Spurs, Goodwin suddenly finds himself as the only true point guard on this roster. Quite a turn of events for a player who has only played in 64 NBA contests across two seasons.

The Suns won’t expect Goodwin to contribute right away, and it is likely that Booker and Beal will make up the starting backcourt to begin the season. But if the Suns can develop him quickly, he could turn into such a key contributor and perhaps even start or close certain games depending on the opponent.

Everybody is excited to see “point-Booker” in full flow, but running a team when you never have before for a whole season is taxing. Durant and Beal may become the top two scoring options as a result, but let us not forget that Booker was one of the standout players of the playoffs last season.

To move away from that is risky, but the ability of Goodwin to contribute sooner rather than later would restore a certain balance to the roster by having a viable point guard. This isn’t so much about turning Goodwin into another star as it is making sure he can stay on the court by knowing when to pass the ball and defend well. His development changes how good the Suns can be.

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