Suns coach Hornacek sees a ‘very talented’ player in Archie Goodwin

Archie Goodwin was the second of the Phoenix Suns’ first round picks, but with Alex Len sidelined with an injury he’s the only one of the two playing on the team’s Summer League entry.

And he’s turning some heads.

The former Kentucky guard is averaging 11.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, and while his shoot has been inconsistent, his athletic ability has not been.

Recalling a play Goodwin made where he jumped off the opposite foot and blocked a shot with his weak hand, Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said the 18-year-old is “very talented.”

“He can fly up and down the court,” he added. “You can see his speed and his ability. (When) he catches that ball out near the three point line on a fast break on the wing, it’s a one dribble and dunk.

“He’s had a couple of those.”

Hornacek said his youngest player is “learning the game” but showing improvement, which is what the coaching staff likes to see.

Goodwin will be joining a fairly crowded backcourt. He was a point guard in college, but the Suns already have Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Kendall Marshall at the position. At 6-foot-5 and 198 pounds, there’s a good chance Goodwin will see some time at the shooting guard position.

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