Nothin' But Nets
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Newest Nets Update: The Present and Future of Marks’ Recent Additions

By Christian Milcos

Mar 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) defends against Brooklyn Nets guard K.J. McDaniels (14) during second half at Barclays Center. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-104. fMandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) defends against Brooklyn Nets guard K.J. McDaniels (14) during second half at Barclays Center. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-104. fMandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Reggie Bullock (25) shoots the ball past Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Archie Goodwin (10) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Reggie Bullock (25) shoots the ball past Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Archie Goodwin (10) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Archie Goodwin

It’s safe to say that Goodwin has given Nets fans sizable reason for optimism. He played an invaluable role in his team’s recent back-to-back victories, and has stood out in all five of his games as a Net.

Goodwin has given the Nets little reason to not ink a multi-year contract in the coming days. He will be yet another solid pickup for Marks. The Nets’ GM has been a master at locking up overlooked players to low-risk, high-reward contracts. In his short time in the Nets front office, he has nabbed Kilpatrick, Joe Harris, Acy and Dinwiddie, who are making under $4.5 million combined this season. Goodwin should no doubt be the next player to fall in this category.

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Perhaps Goodwin’s most valuable asset is his age. The Kentucky product would currently be a rookie in the NBA if he remained in Lexington for four years. He is the same age as Hollis-Jefferson and LeVert, allowing him to fit perfectly into the Nets’ strategy of obtaining “draft picks” through signing players from the D-League or overseas. He still has a lot of room and time to grow.

Goodwin appears to be building off his positive traits demonstrated in his time with the Phoenix Suns. He showed flashes of being a versatile player in his few years playing for Jeff Hornacek. Goodwin consistently shot over 40 percent with the Suns, and even earned a spot in the starting lineup for handful of games towards the tail-end of last season. His high level of efficiency and athleticism have carried over well to Brooklyn this season.

Goodwin has done a good job at identifying his weaknesses and playing to his strengths in his third NBA stop. He has not missed a shot from the field (8-of-8) in his past three games (knock on wood). He has also been quite aggressive defensively, having guarded the likes of Devin Booker and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, among others, in his three victories as a Net.

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Most importantly, he looks comfortable playing next to his new teammates. Goodwin knows exactly what he has to do to help his team win, and he simply goes out and does exactly that. He doesn’t shoot too often, and does whatever little things need to be done defensively to help the Nets win.

The question then must be asked: how did he go largely unnoticed this season, despite showing consistent improvement the past three years? He was never given a chance with the Pelicans, which perhaps speaks to Alvin Gentry’s decision-making as a head coach. Yet, it took 34 games in the D-League for a team to finally give him a look.

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Whether it was due to attitude issues or another undisclosed reason, it is a bit odd he was not given an opportunity sooner. Nevertheless, the Nets rarely get a prime opportunity at a young talent such as Goodwin, and the organization should be thrilled about his upside and good attributes displayed thus far. Brooklyn’s front office would be foolish not to lock him down at a good price for the next couple of years.