The Phoenix Suns have started to hit a nice little groove recently as they have won three in a row to bring their record to 6-4. One of the big reasons they have been playing better as of late is that head coach Jeff Hornacek has started to figure out a regular rotation. A big issue earlier in the season was the backup shooting guard spot as Sonny Weems started the season there but didn't do much of anything but now Archie Goodwin seems to be running away with that spot, according to Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic.
Coming into the season shooting guard was the Suns position where competition was expected to be the highest. Brandon Knight was locked in as the starter there but behind him was Goodwin, Weems and rookie Devin Booker. Weems won the backup job out of training camp because Hornacek liked his experience but once he realized Weems wasn't the answer (.5 PER) he tried his other two options.
Hornacek still does not want to play Booker big minutes because he is the youngest player in the NBA and doesn't want to throw him out there before he is ready. Booker has played in just seven games and averaged 8.3 minutes. Goodwin, on the other hand, has been sitting behind some really good guards the past couple of years just waiting for his opportunity and it seems like he has gotten it and taken advantage.
Goodwin was a first round pick back in 2013 out of Kentucky as the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him 29th overall. Goodwin has plenty of talent but hasn't been given a consistent opportunity at minutes until the past few games. In three of the last four games Goodwin was the first player off the bench and although his stats don't jump out at you he has played well and Hornacek will likely keep him in that role.
"He's played pretty well through the preseason and practices. He's earned the opportunity. He's long; he's quick so he can cover some ground. Now that he's gotten stronger, he doesn't get pushed around as much," said Hornacek.
In seven games Goodwin is averaging 14.1 minutes while scoring 6 points and adding 2.9 rebounds per game but it is on the defensive end where he has really excelled. Goodwin isn't a great perimeter shooter but he can get the ball to the basket and with the defense he plays that should be plenty for him to remain in the rotation.
