The Phoenix Suns are in the news for all the wrong reasons right now, with NBA Insider Chris Haynes reporting that there is locker room unrest as a result of the team not having a point guard to organize the offense. Collin Gillespie might seem like the obvious solution to this problem, but Jordan Goodwin should also be considered for the role, as he has always answered the call for this group.
Goodwin better defender than Gillespie who can still organize team
We already put forward the idea prior to the season beginning - and quickly heading sideways - that Goodwin could push for a starting berth in The Valley. He's a better defender than Gillespie in every way, while his two-man numbers with most of his teammates last season contributed to the Suns being as competitive as they were.
Goodwin also has the added benefit of having been let go by the Suns once before, when they moved him on to the Memphis Grizzlies. He eventually worked his way back after a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he has been fighting for more minutes and a bigger role ever since returning. He is the perfect point guard next to Devin Booker because he would defer to him on the offensive end always.
Head Coach Jordan Ott was able to employ both Goodwin and Jamaree Bouyea in certain lineups last season, such as their combined defensive ability, willingness to take turns setting up others and being able to score some when required. The Suns currently have the worst defensive rating in the entire NBA and are having real trouble rebounding, and Goodwin, as a jumbo guard, helps in both of those areas.
Coach Ott needs to make brave call and not think about contracts
What is working against Goodwin here is the three-year, $19 million deal he signed to return to Phoenix this offseason. Gillespie was given a four-year, $48 million contract, while Jalen Green is making over $30 million this season and next (player option in the final year). He's the cheapest of the three most likely players to partner Booker, and a struggling group can't be seen to be bringing that much money off the bench.
Goodwin likely has more value around the league than the Suns even realize, and allowing him the opportunity to show what he can do as a starter could lead to getting a larger return if they do decide to shake up the roster later. Few remember, but that time with the Grizzlies saw Goodwin start 12 of 17 games played, average 10 points and chip in with 8 boards and 4.5 assists each night. That is surely worth another look to try and fix a growing crisis.
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