No matter what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, the Milwaukee Bucks have some decisions to make in the backcourt. Ryan Rollins is the only ball-handler set to officially be back with the squad. If the team wants to add support, Jordan Goodwin of the Phoenix Suns, who is set to hit free agency, should firmly be on their radar.
Goodwin made a name for himself in Phoenix
Today's NBA is all about players who give effort on both ends. One-way players are becoming a thing of the past in a hurry. Goodwin, fresh off his best season as a pro, emerged as a legitimate threat on both sides of the court, providing the Suns with strong complementary offense but even better play on the defensive side.
In the eyes of many, Goodwin was Phoenix's best defender this past season. At 6-foot-3, he's not the tallest guard, but weighing in at 215 lbs, he has the bulk to hold his own against an array of positions, and he used that for the Suns again and again. Teammate Collin Gillespie was shocked that Goodwin didn't earn a single All-Defensive vote after his stellar campaign.
Goodie didn’t get a single vote for all defense?
— Collin Gillespie (@Colling1021) May 23, 2026
In addition to the stout defense, Goodwin can fill up the stat sheet. This past season, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 3-point makes, and 1.5 steals per game, all of which were brand new career-highs outside of the assists. Whether it's score, pass, or rebound, Goodwin can do a little bit of everything, making him a valuable second-unit commodity.
Goodwin sure would look good in green
As a reserve ball-handler, Goodwin would be a tremendous fit in Milwaukee. He could provide some needed firepower off the bench, offering support behind Ryan Rollins. Milwaukee will need to add depth this summer, and with a weak free agent class for guards ahead, their best bet would be to get a low-cost gem like Goodwin.
The need for Goodwin would only increase if the Bucks use their upcoming 10th overall pick on a forward over a guard. Plenty of mock drafts have linked the team to Nate Ament or Yaxel Lendeborg, which would fill out other areas of the roster but leave the backcourt dry. Goodwin wouldn't be their magic fix, but he'd be a dang good addition.
The two questions, which go hand in hand, are how much Goodwin might seek on the market and how much the Phoenix Suns might want to retain him. It's worth monitoring.
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