Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin no doubt qualifies as an NBA journeyman.
In five NBA seasons, the 27-year-old has suited up for four different organizations — including two separate stints with the Suns.
“Goody” made his way back to Phoenix last July when the Suns claimed him off waivers from the rival Los Angeles Lakers. Though viewed as a minor move at the time, it’s one Suns GM Brian Gregory certainly got right.
At just 6-foot-3, Goodwin has reinvented himself this season as one of the best rebounding guards in the sport — especially on the offensive glass and relative to his size. Goodwin is averaging a career-high 4.7 rebounds per game in 22.1 minutes per contest almost entirely off the bench. His 1.9 offensive rebounds per game are also a career best mark.
In addition to cleaning the glass, Goodwin is averaging a career-high 1.4 steals per game — tied for the best mark on the team with fellow guard Grayson Allen. He's swiped multiple steals in 29 of his 59 games played this season. He's finished with three or more steals in game on six different occasions.
His impact has not gone unnoticed by plugged-in Suns fans, and now national pundits are even weighing in to praise Goodwin’s impact throughout a Phoenix season that has shattered expectations.
ESPN labels Jordan Goodwin as Suns’ unsung hero
In a recent NBA power ranking by ESPN, their staff of NBA insiders also chose to spotlight “one unheralded player on every team.”
For the Suns, Goodwin got the nod from writer Dave McMenamin, who wrote the following:
“Jordan Goodwin signed a two-way contract with the Lakers last February, had it converted to a standard contract in March, was waived in July and was quickly scooped up by Phoenix, where he has become a vital role player on both ends of the court. The sturdy 6-foot-3 combo guard is averaging 8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals off the bench for a surprise Suns team that entered Tuesday 10 games over .500.”
Throughout a season that’s seen injury woes for guards Jalen Green, Devin Booker and Grayson Allen, Goodwin’s impact to lengthen the bench for first-year head coach Jordan Ott has been invaluable. His career highs in various categories are the cherry on top.
Unfortunately for the Suns (and fortunately for Goodwin), he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. With free agency question marks about bigger names Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams looming this offseason, a Goody return to The Valley likely isn’t the Suns’ top priority.
In any case, Goodwin’s impact as an unsung hero and solid role player for a winning team is sure to garner interest around the league.
He’s deserving of a long-term deal to find a more permanent NBA home that’s eluded him to this point in his career.
If and when that happens, he’ll have Ott and the Suns to thank for the opportunity, but Goodwin ultimately controlled his own destiny. Putting together a career season in a contract year has to make him feel a deserved sense of accomplishment.