Two new but established Suns leaders, star guard Bradley Beal and head coach Frank Vogel, are looking forward to seeing the impact that another former Wizard, Jordan Goodwin, will have on the team, writes Dana Scott of The Arizona Republic.
The 6’3″ combo guard was part of the package Phoenix acquired in its blockbuster trade for Beal. Goodwin, still just 24, carved out a significant role off the bench in Washington in 2022/23. In 62 contests last season, he averaged 6.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG and 0.9 SPG.
“I think Jordan is going to surprise a lot of people,” Beal said. “A lot may not know who he is, but he is nasty tenacious defender who loves the game, who will compete at both ends of the floor.”
“He’s a very compelling talent,” Vogel said. “As we fill out the rest of our roster, we want to make sure we’re one of the most physical, toughest teams in the NBA. And Jordan at the guard position represents that, so I’m excited to watch him work.”
There’s more out of the Pacific Division:
- The Lakers are looking to maximize the skill set of returning guard Austin Reaves, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who hears that the team will explore the 6’5″ swingman’s play-making abilities by running the offense through him more often next season. After being moved into a full-time starting role for the Lakers during the season, the 25-year-old averaged 18.3 PPG on .571/.486/.898 shooting splits, 6.1 APG, and 3.3 RPG.
- Although D’Angelo Russell is the early favorite to be the Lakers‘ starting point guard next season, Buha hears from sources that new addition Gabe Vincent could win the role if he outperforms Russell during L.A.’s training camp.
- The Lakers are looking to add a center to fill its 14th roster spot, Buha adds. Sources tell Buha that Mohamed Bamba and Tristan Thompson are both candidates for the gig, but that the club could also wait out the market and see if more intriguing possibilities emerge.
- Newly acquired Clippers small forward Kenyon Martin Jr. could help infuse an older L.A. roster with a healthy dose of athleticism, Law Murray of The Athletic writes. Martin, a Southern California native, brings an explosive vertical burst to the table, though he won’t score much outside of the post. His main contributions will be in and around that terrain on offense, while defensively he has some tools but still needs to develop.
Still think they are in need of a sharpshooter, Id travel lite at C the first half year for Malik, even seeing the merits/security another C provides up front
Beas prolly waiting a bit to see if he can draw more than the roughly 4 mill Lakes can fit under the cap for him realistically.
A decision if deemed C could/should last weeks/months to work itself out .
Maybe Mo could intrigue them to ink tomorrow but that’s debatable
Don’t hate Reddish in a vacuum but waiting another 48 hrs coulda provided a pivot to Beas or Lonnie and a C to Reddish and a ? .
Id prefer seeing Christie JHS Lewis Vando and Rui developed more than Cam minutes wise when opportunities present themselves not to mention Prince’s stability
I am still not sold on Lakers as a Top 5 team in the West. A lot of issues from last year have now been forgotten because they got to the Western Conference Finals.
They are pretty much running it back swapping Dennis for Gabe Vincent. Gabe had a good playoff run, but wasn’t really a factor all year. These Miami dudes, like Kendrick Nunn, look totally different when they leave Spoelstra and get paid.
Last year, in the playoffs they beat a young Memphis team that was missing Steven Adams and Brandon Clark in the frontcourt. AD went nuts on DPOY Jaren Jackson, but had Adams and Clark been available AD would have at least been slowed down.
2nd Round was a Golden State team with chemistry issues and no real offensive weapon other than Steph. Lakers took care of business.
Phoenix was missing Chris Paul, and roster had no depth from trade. Clippers were missing Kawhi and PG in playoffs. KAT was less than 100% for Minnesota.
Western Conference will be a totally different beast this year. Lakers have a solid squad, but you can make a case that they could struggle again to get into the Top 8.
Denver
Phoenix
L.A. Clippers
Memphis
Sacramento
Minnesota
New Orleans (healthy Zion?)
Golden State
All fair assessment’s
I think Rui Vando and Reaves will all get better
The depth has gotten better and the time together can only be a plus. Ham also got a year under his belt as well
I think they will actually be a good regular season team and I haven’t said that since pre-covid. Id be disappointed anything less than a 4 seed even in a stacked West
Their biggest problem was chemistry and Russell Westbrook. Feel free to poke holes in the Lakers two playoff series wins but let’s not forget they were 19-7 after the trade deadline and the second best defensive team in the NBA. Like most teams health will be their biggest foe.
I think the Lakers are 100% a top 5 team in the west, and (big if coming) if they get good health out of LBJ and AD for a full year are the best team in the west. The competition will come from Denver, Phoenix and Golden State. I don’t buy the Clippers because Leonard will barely play. Memphis, to me, is fool’s gold. Sacramento has talent but I don’t see them as ready yet. Minnesota has chemistry issues, and the Lakers last season with Russ were a perfect example of what chemistry issues do. New Orleans is good, although they need Zion to be better than the Lakers.
Se ve claramente q eres Anti lakers y le vas a clippers
Keep in mind that quite a few of their important pieces weren’t with them until the trade deadline. With the new additions and the hold overs tour in camp there’s no reason to think they wouldn’t be a good team able to be a top 5 WC team
Nuggets lost Brown
Lakers are now the best team
Lakers Signed 4 new players
Vince
Prince
Lol
Brad Beal is speaking absolute facts on Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin will be a rotation player for Phoenix. He is going to be a big-time asset defensively in the playoffs. Kid is tough as nails. Versatile. Stuffs the stat sheet the same way DeAnthony Melton does.
Weynen Gabriel is the center the Lakers are looking for.