By Sunday 
Phoenix’s Loss Becomes Los Angeles’ Gain as Goodwin Thrives
The Phoenix Suns have faced numerous challenges this season, with head coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotational decisions drawing increasing scrutiny. While some choices, like inserting Bol Bol into the starting lineup, have shown promise, others have left fans frustrated—most notably, the team’s reluctance to utilize rookie Ryan Dunn for defensive support. However, one decision stands out as particularly regrettable: the departure of Jordan Goodwin.
Goodwin’s Quiet Exit from Phoenix
Goodwin, a promising defensive-minded point guard, struggled to secure playing time last season under former head coach Frank Vogel. With Devin Booker and Bradley Beal handling the bulk of the ball-handling duties, Goodwin remained on the fringes of the rotation. Despite showing defensive potential, he never truly found a consistent role.
As part of the controversial Bradley Beal trade, Goodwin was included in the package sent to the Washington Wizards, before later being dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies. Although his stint in Memphis was short-lived, it became clear that Goodwin possessed the tools to contribute at the NBA level.
Finding a Home in Los Angeles
Now, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Goodwin is proving his worth. He recently made waves during a high-profile matchup against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his improved shooting and defensive versatility. Despite playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Goodwin has carved out a role for himself, gaining the trust of his teammates and coaching staff.
His three-point shooting has been a revelation. In 10 games with the Lakers, Goodwin has shot an astonishing 48% from beyond the arc on 2.5 attempts per game—a stark contrast to the 28.8% he posted in Phoenix. While this level of efficiency may not be sustainable long-term, his defensive skills and ability to make plays provide stability to the Lakers’ second unit.
A Costly Mistake for the Suns?
For a Suns team that has struggled with perimeter defense and consistency at the point guard position, Goodwin’s emergence in Los Angeles only adds to their woes. The team could have benefited from his defensive prowess, especially given Tyus Jones’ offensive-first approach. Had Goodwin been given a real opportunity in Phoenix, his development might have taken a different trajectory—one that could have helped the Suns rather than strengthening a Western Conference rival.
The decision to part ways with Goodwin now looks like another misstep for a Suns organization that has already made several questionable moves. With the Lakers gearing up for the postseason, Phoenix may come to regret letting a valuable role player slip through their fingers—especially if Goodwin plays a crucial role in a potential playoff matchup.