The Phoenix Suns have shuffled around their starting lineup a lot this season. Head coach Jordan Ott has dealt with all types of injuries over the past few months, but he has found a way to remain competitive. It is a testament to how well he has done amidst all the adjustments he has made.

One of the changes he made recently was picking Jordan Goodwin to play in the starting lineup over Collin Gillespie. Despite the latter being a deadly three-point shooter, Ott believes Goodwin has been the more optimal choice as a starter.

Ott reveals why he started Goodwin over Gillespie

Against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, the Suns had a pretty limited squad. They deployed Dillon Brooks as a power forward, which meant Ott committed to a smaller starting lineup. Devin Booker and Jalen Green were the guards, while Goodwin played as a wing despite being a smaller player.

It was a peculiar decision, but it worked out because Goodwin played some valuable minutes for his defense. This was also the right move when it came to Gillespie’s minutes because he was a much better fit when playing in the second unit.

MORE: Gillespie breaks the franchise record for made three-pointers for the Phoenix Suns

Goodwin provides more value on defense than Gillespie, and considering he was playing with three proven scorers, it was a more optimal role. Gillespie is more of an offense-focused player, so making him lead the second unit was a good decision.

“Just trying to balance out some of the groups. We love how that 2nd unit played earlier in the season. That was part of it. Just trying to balance it all out. Now with three pretty high usage players in the starting unit, just changes some of the dynamics on the offensive end with the 2nd unit. We’re going to try to find it, but we do need at some point to set and go,” Ott said after the win against the Bulls.

The Suns are still competing for a chance to automatically reach the Playoffs. It is looking unlikely, but Ott is preparing his team to play high-stakes basketball. With a shorter nine-man rotation, he is preparing for those games, whether it’s in the Play-In Tournament or in the Playoffs.

He has to make some major adjustments to his rotation. Of course, they have a set quartet with Booker, Brooks, Green, and Mark Williams. Now, it seems that Goodwin has secured the fifth and final spot in the starting lineup.

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