The Phoenix Suns have brought a regular season intensity to portions of their preseason outings so far, and Jordan Goodwin has been a large part of the reason why. The do-it-all guard is leading the entire league in steals with nine, a skill that will translate when the action begins for real.
Goodwin's ability to defend multiple positions gives Suns their edge
If you've been paying attention to this group going back to last season, you know the 27-year-old is the secret sauce that makes the Suns who they are on the defensive end of the court. Dillon Brooks and his constant barking might make all of the headlines, but Goodwin, as a point guard, can defend positions one through four well and allows Head Coach Jordan Ott to use funky lineups.
He is capable of sharing the court with another longer guard in Jamaree Bouyea, while he can also be out there with Collin Gillespie and take the more difficult defensive assignment. Even Devin Booker's life is made easier, as Goodwin is capable of being a true table-setter while also locking down elite scorers so that Booker doesn't have to.
Goodwin was recently asked which he prefers, a steal or a block, and the answer for him was obvious. "I hate those (crediting certain steals as blocks). Especially when they're going to the hole, and I swipe it down. Just give me the steal, don't give me the block." It is clear he takes pride in stealing the ball and forcing turnovers for opponents, and it helped the Suns have a top-10 defense last season.
Jordan Goodwin said he'd rather be credited for a steal when he's credited for a block. #Suns pic.twitter.com/nwUfjip9Qs
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 12, 2026
Goodwin's infectious enthusiasm, coupled with a genuine desire to defend, makes him the perfect role player in Phoenix, and it is no surprise the front office brought him back this offseason. Despite suddenly having a crowded backcourt with Booker, Bouyea, Gillespie, Jalen Green, and Pat Spencer all fighting for minutes, it is already clear that Goodwin provides a defensive ability they do not.
Goodwin could one day have case to start for Suns
Although Green has begun his second season with the franchise, taking much more of an interest in being the lead ball-handler for this group, there is no guarantee he will work out long-term in this role. The Suns have to hope that he does, but even an injury setback like the hamstring issues that plagued Green last season would open the door for Goodwin to start.
He plays well no matter who is alongside him, and could also have a positive impact on Khaman Maluach one day becoming the starting center here. That might seem like a lot of pressure to put on a backup guard that the front office let go of once before, but they now realize what they've got in Goodwin.
He's a player who will lead the team in steals this season and ensure that every time he is on the court, the Suns are hard to score against. He is the dream partner for Brooks to have each night and the perfect Jordan Ott player, thanks to his size and defensive IQ.
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