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Archie Goodwin wants to grow with the Brooklyn Nets

By Charles Daye

Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Archie Goodwin (10) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Archie Goodwin (10) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Archie Goodwin wants to be a part of the Brooklyn Nets’ future.

Archie Goodwin signed with the Brooklyn Nets after a brief stint in the D-League with the Greensboro Swarm. Goodwin averaged eight points (shooting 55.7 percent from the field), two rebounds and two assists in 15.3 minutes over 12 games with the Nets.

After a couple 10-day contracts, the Nets signed the 22-year old combo guard to a two-year deal. The contract covered the remainder of the 2016-2017 season and included a few guaranteed dates for the 2017-2018 season. If he is on the roster after Halloween 2017, he is guaranteed $200,000. However there are no salary protections before that date.

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Goodwin has expressed on multiple occasions his interest in Brooklyn. He recently told the Boston Globe,

"“I can grow with this team, grow with the staff and organization,” Goodwin continued “It’s not disheartening if you’re mentally tough. I can get through anything. I’ve been through it all. I know what it’s like to be in the D-League. It takes a different person to get out of it because you can get lost down there.”"

That same mental toughness could be one of the reasons GM Sean Marks signed him after waiving Luis Scola. Goodwin is fast, athletic, versatile and the same age as rookie Caris LeVert. Goodwin has already played four seasons, however. The Kentucky guard was taken with the 29th selection in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Goodwin has no regrets when it comes to his decision to be a one-and-done.

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"“It just taught me to stay ready mentally,” Goodwin said. “Just being prepared for whatever comes my way. You know, this year has been a long one, it’s been one of the craziest years that I’ve ever experienced. So just being mentally strong the whole time and working and trusting God’s plan is the biggest thing.”"

Goodwin needs to improve his three-point shooting (23.6 percent for his career). He could be an ideal player for the system and culture Marks and Kenny Atkinson are cultivating in Brooklyn if he is able to correct the weaknesses in his game. The combo guard is as young as some first round draft picks this year. He plays tough on both sides of the ball and is not worried about his “brand” like so many players his age.

"“I told Sean Marks that I want to play there because they play hard and they play together,” Goodwin said. “That’s something I want to be a part of.”"

The Nets have struggled to be a destination that players/free agents wanted to play for ever since their days in New Jersey. It is not only good to hear young players stating they want to play for the team for longtime fans of the organization. It is also a sign that the organization and culture are moving in the right direction.

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Goodwin can potentially be a big part of the Nets future. All he has to do is show and prove.