The Phoenix Suns received great news on Wednesday as they prep for their third preseason game. This one is pretty important, though, as they are facing their former No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton, DOMINAYTON, as he says, for the first time since the trade.
This is also Jusuf Nurkic’s first time laying his former team since the trade; that’s if he plays, which we assume he will. The game should be nothing short of drama, as Ayton is already that with the Portland media asking about the matchup.
The Suns are 1-1 in preseason play, with their first game being somewhat of a dominant one over the Pistons, despite almost choking it in overtime. The second one was without their big three; however, Nurkic played against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, who is also his former team.
On Thursday, against the Portland Trail Blazers, we could see one guy who missed both of the previous games, as some great news surfaced on Wednesday. According to Gerald Bourguet of PHNX, guard Jordan Goodwin is progressing with his injury.
"“Frank Vogel said Jordan Goodwin (right hamstring tightness) was a “full participant” in practice today. Assuming he responds well to today’s work, the Suns are hopeful he’ll be available for tomorrow’s preseason game in Portland.”"
Goodwin is one of the more underrated pieces on this team for a few reasons. One, he is really good for what the Suns need on their team in terms of play style and schematic fit. 2. he is one of the few guys on the team that can play point guard if asked to do so.
Frank Vogel said Jordan Goodwin (right hamstring tightness) was a “full participant” in practice today. Assuming he responds well to today’s work, the Suns are hopeful he’ll be available for tomorrow’s preseason game in Portland
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) October 11, 2023
The Suns could see a new lineup on the floor on Thursday night against the Trail Blazers while we also watch Ayton with his new team. Hopefully, we get to see Goodwin with this version of the Suns and in this scheme.