Jordan Ott gave up a ‘super skill’ to Jordan Goodwin after the Suns’ first start

ByNBAUSA


PHOENIX – From one game with a huge turnaround to a very minimal one Phoenix Suns continue to find ways to win, defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 111-102.

Although Collin Gillespie was the hero for the Suns on FridayJordan Goodwin took the reins Sunday in his first start with the team. He scored a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, but he shined the most on the offensive glass.

He had four offensive rebounds and seemed to have a nose for finding the ball after hitting the cylinder. His work on glass fueled many other opportunities for Phoenix.

However, his offensive game was just as polished, connecting on the trey, and attacking the rim with ease. After Sunday’s game, Goodwin succinctly explained whether or not he’s a starter the mentality remains the same.

“I’m just playing my game; I’m not trying to go out there and do too much, do anything out of the ordinary,” Goodwin said after the game. “I go out there, start my defense, and just let the offensive end come to me.”

“So I can start, get off the bench. I’ll still be myself.”

For someone who was a spark plug in another unit, he injected energy right into that starting group. The dynamic didn’t seem to change, but it felt like the bounce was the key difference, thanks to Goodwin’s presence.

Jordan Ott says Jordan Goodwin has “super skill” for the Suns

Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates a three-point shot in the second half at the Mortgage Match Up Center.
© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Often, head coach Jordan Ott praised his players and talked about their unique qualities. For some it’s shooting. For others it is a defense, and for some it is an incitement.

However, Goodwin is in a special category because of his jump shot. For example, he is third on the team in offensive rebounds with 1.8, while playing only 18 minutes per game.

His playing time on Sunday nearly doubled, as did that number. But when the team signed him to a full-season contract before the season started, Ott immediately knew what he was bringing to the table.

Competitive edge, shooting, defense, but the rebound stands out among the rest.

“We let him do whatever your super skill is. One of Goody’s super skills is going to the offensive glass,” Ott said after the game. “It happens to be part of our system, but even if it wasn’t, you have to let him do it. He’s really good at it.”

“He just has a knack, not just offensive rebounds, but rebounding, any kind of turnover, just wanting to get the basketball. And that’s part of who he is. That’s part of what made him. That’s part of why we love him.”

How does Jordan Goodwin position himself for key rebounds?

Some of it may have to do with being in the right place at the right time. But part of it is its engine and drivetrain. Sometimes you have to want to fight back, fight back and stop the defensive.

That’s it the bread and butter of this Suns teamand one philosophy that Goodwin seamlessly shapes.

“I think it’s just more instinct and just my motor, which always crashes every shot, just give yourself a chance,” Goodwin said.

“If I don’t give myself a chance, I’m not going. And I’m also just hanging around my bigs, especially with Mark (Williams), Nick (Richards) and Osa (Ighodaro) in there. They’re always trying to get the ball out and I’m right there trying to handle it.”

With the Houston Rockets coming to town on Monday, they feature one of the biggest rosters in the league. Regardless, Goodwin could get the starting nod again if Ryan Dunn continues to be sidelined.

If that’s the case, then Goodwin will have a big test of his rebounding ability against the league’s leading rebounding per game team.





2025-11-24 16:17:00

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