PHOENIX – Research has consistently shown that Tuesday is the most productive workday of the week. Suns GM Brian Gregory won’t argue with that notion after signing three key pieces of the team’s core on the same day.
The Suns announced Tuesday that they had re-signed center Mark Williams to a three-year contract, guard Jordan Goodwin to a three-year contract and Collin Gillespie to a four-year contract, bringing back three players who emerged as key contributors last season as the organization continues to emphasize continuity.
Gregory said the trio earned new contracts through their work ethic, development and commitment to the culture the Suns are building.
“It’s a great day for our organization,” Gregory said. “As we look to the future, they’re going to play significant roles as we continue to build on what we accomplished last season.”
Gregory said each player had the best season of his career while setting an example through competitiveness and leadership.
Williams arrived in Phoenix last summer with the opportunity to establish himself at center. Gregory said the 7-footer embraced the challenge of becoming more physical while using his length, athleticism and basketball IQ to impact both ends of the floor before an injury ended his season.
“The exciting part is that there’s still so much room for growth,” Gregory said.
Now entering his first healthy offseason in years, Williams said his focus is on staying healthy and expanding his game instead of spending the summer rehabbing.
“The biggest thing is continuing to stay on the court,” said Williams, who averaged 11.7 points and eight rebounds in a career-high 60 games last season. “Every year (for the past three seasons) I’ve played more games, and I want that trend to continue.”
Williams said returning much of last season’s roster should help the team build on its chemistry.
“Everyone knows each other’s roles and strengths,” Williams said. “As everyone improves, you gain even more confidence in your teammates to make the right play.”
Goodwin’s path to a guaranteed contract was different.
After arriving at training camp on an Exhibit 10 contract (a one-year, non-guaranteed, minimum-salary NBA agreement) and competing for one of the final roster spots, Goodwin earned a consistent role through his defense, energy and improvement.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Goodwin, who averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds last season. “Definitely blessed.”
Goodwin said the contract carries extra meaning after spending much of his NBA career uncertain where he would play each season.
“I’m usually, around this time, nervous – don’t know if I’m going to have a job or not,” Goodwin said. “Definitely having that right there is a really good thing. I’ve been here all summer working out, so it’s home.”
Gregory said Goodwin exemplifies the culture the Suns want to establish because of his competitiveness and willingness to embrace every opportunity.
“He plays with unbelievable effort and competitiveness,” Gregory said.
Goodwin credited coach Jordan Ott and the coaching staff for giving him the confidence to expand his offensive game.
“I put the work in,” Goodwin said. “The confidence that Jo put into me last year made it a lot easier for me. You got the head coach telling you to shoot the ball and be confident. It makes it easier for you.”
Gillespie also returned after producing the best season of his NBA career despite battling injuries, with 12.7 points, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. Gregory said the former Villanova guard deserved greater consideration for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award after providing steady production throughout the season.
For Gillespie, returning to Phoenix was never in doubt.
“I always wanted to be here,” Gillespie said. “The conversations with the front office were great, and I never really worried that we’d get a deal done.”
Gillespie said the organization’s belief in him since he signed his first two-way contract has helped him continue to grow as a player and a person.
“The culture this organization is building fits who I am as both a player and a person,” he said.
Goodwin said the team’s continuity should help the Suns enter next season with an advantage.
“The chemistry there we had chemistry on the court, off the court. We were all brothers,” Goodwin said. “It’s going to be real fun. We take training camp this year really serious and try to get off to a good start of the season.”
Goodwin said Phoenix has become more than another stop in his career.
“It’s a beautiful community,” Goodwin said. “The staff has been really hands-on with my development. The fans accepted me and appreciated me. It feels really good walking around the city, fans showing love. It feels like home.”
Gregory said re-signing Williams, Goodwin and Gillespie was about more than rewarding three players for their individual growth. It was also about maintaining the foundation the Suns believe can help the franchise continue moving forward.
“I’m excited for them individually, excited for them as teammates and excited for their families,” Gregory said. “Today is a life-changing day for all three of these players, and it’s a great day for our franchise.”
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
