The Atlanta Hawks signed Brandon Goodwin to a two-way deal in August 2018 after he finished his two-way deal with the Denver Nuggets the season before. He played so well that he was signed to a full contract in February 2019, about a month before the NBA was shut down due to COVID-19.
This season Goodwin earned $1.7 million, playing in 47 games, even starting five of them. He averaged 4.9 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per game. His game is built around speed, and he loves getting out in transition to attack a defense that is not set.
It was a pity that Goodwin had a respiratory illness during the playoffs as he could have provided some key minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks when Trae Young was out. His game improved so much last season that he went past Rajon Rondo in the rotation before Rondo was traded for Lou Williams at the deadline.
Why the Atlanta Hawks should re-sign Brandon Goodwin
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There is plenty of upside in Goodwin’s game, he is a long-term project who looks like a world-beater when he is in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, when he comes in off the bench Goodwin seems to struggle.
This points to the difference in his game being a confidence issue. If you give Nate McMillan some time to work with Goodwin during the offseason, Goodwin will come back a better player next season. He has the speed and ability to run an offense, he just needs to be given the right structure.
This is where it is so beneficial to have a head coach who was a successful point guard in the league. McMillan, while he never won a championship was a huge part of the successful Seattle Supersonics era and knows what it takes for a point guard to succeed in the league.
Verdict – Pursue at a minimum deal