2-Way Guard Brandon Goodwin is excelling in his challenging position
The 2-way diamond in the rough is exceeding expectations — SkyHawks Head Coach Noel Gillespie speaks on his success.
On August 6, Brandon Goodwin, a former 2-way player for the Denver Nuggets, signed a 2-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks. His contract included the given terms that he would spend the bulk of the season with the NBA G League Affiliate, the College Park SkyHawks, and up to 45 days with the Hawks.
As a native of Georgia, Goodwin is finally playing professionally in his hometown and couldn’t be happier about it. During the Summer before the 2019-2020 season started, Goodwin competed in the Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League. The AEBL brings together former and current NBA players and overseas professionals to sharpen their skills and compete in a high competition tournament during the offseason.
After news of the new contract, I caught up with Goodwin after the tournament to ask him what was the most valuable thing he believed he could bring to the Atlanta Hawks team.
“Energy, poise coming off the bench. I think I can do a little bit of everything…score, pass, rebound, defend. I just want to show people around the world that people my height and my size can do what everyone else can do too. I just want to bring every little thing I can. Whatever my teammates need, whatever my coach needs ,I think I have a little bit of everything to give” He said
Fast forward six months And he’s been doing just that. After 18 games with the Hawks, he is averaging 6.6 points, two rebounds, and 1.6 assists over an average of 12.67 minutes.
As Goodwin goes back and forth between the Hawks, where he comes off the bench, and the SkyHawks, where he is a leader on the court, he remains resilient and focused on every game before him. I asked him after a SkyHawks game about the biggest challenge being in his role.
“Staying ready, like making sure you’re always trying to do every single thing no matter what.” He said.
On Thursday January 16, veteran guard Jeff Teague and guard-forward Treveon Graham were traded to the Atlanta Hawks from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Allen Crabbe. Even though acquiring Tegaue to excel in the back-up PG role could possibly interfere with Goodwin’s play time, he hasn’t let the return of the former Hawks All-Star guard get to his head.
“You can tell his focus. They made the Jeff Teague trade so he could’ve went in another direction but he stayed ready for his opportunity and the key word he keeps saying is: energy energy energy.” Said Head Coach Noel Gillespie of the College Park SkyHawks.
When All-Star PG Trae Young sat injured during the Hawks vs Clippers matchup last Wednesday, Brandon Goodwin was ready to step up and lead Atlanta to an upset win.
“That’s the cherry on top. 19 points in the fourth quarter when the Hawks are shorthanded, when Trae Young doesn’t play, he steps up… but again I think his preparation, him being ready.” Gillespie said.
Goodwin finished the game with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. The 19 points was an NBA career high for Goodwin.
We will continue to look for his energy and growth as he continues to excel in his challenging 2-way position.
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“We’re really, really proud from the College Park side…I told brandon I don’t want to see him here. I think I’m doing my job and he’s doing his job if he’s with the Hawks… 2-ways are an extension of their team and he’s been called upon and he’ll be ready and continue to be ready.” Gillepsie said.