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Phoenix Suns 'hidden gem' for 2025-2026 season revealed

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 12:19 PM ET

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale reviewed every NBA team’s most disrespected hidden gem for the 2025-2026 season, and one of the newest Phoenix Suns was his top choice. Guard Jordan Goodwin was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Lakers and returns to the Valley better than before. The 26-year-old shot a career high 38.2% from the 3-point line in 29 games last season and will build on that in Phoenix.

Favale on what Goodwin brings to Suns:

“The 26-year-old is a ball-hound…even when he’s not on it. He battles through screens, stands the test of high-end isolation scorers, party-crashes passing lanes and tracks down boards atypical for someone standing 6’3″.”

The Lakers waived Goodwin to make room for former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart. The Suns will benefit greatly with their division rivals decision, as the four-year NBA guard is the protocol three-and-D player in today’s league. Despite only being 6’3, Goodwin uses his physicality to his strength when guarding on the perimeter.

Last season, the roster lacked much authority on the perimeter when guarding opposing ball handlers. Goodwin will be a viable answer to fix that hole, as his screen navigation is a crucial skill to have an elite defense. Phoenix can run a deadly defensive lineup of Devin Booker-Goodwin-Dillon Brooks-Ryan Dunn-Mark Williams that has great switchability from one through four.

The Suns’ 117.7 defensive rating was the fourth-worst in the association last season. Goodwin headlines the next crop of gritty defenders on the roster that will slashed that rating down.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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