Jordan Goodwin is a gem in the rough who could be on his way to a permanent position.
The Wizards won’t say they were desperate for a win heading into their game against the Charlotte Hornets, but the truth is, they were.
With Bradley Beal out due to health and safety rules, winning would require a comprehensive team effort and a next-man-up mindset.
Jordan Goodwin of the Washington Wizards is one player who is seizing the moment. In 26 minutes, he scored nine points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Goodwin then made an even bigger statement in the Hornet’s clash
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He then made an even bigger statement in the Hornets clash. Coming off the bench, Goodwin was immaculate. He finished with 17 points in 21 minutes, didn’t miss a single shot (7-7 FGs), and kept Terry Rozier, one of the Hornets’ key players, to 12 points.
Goodwin is only the sixth player in NBA history (since the shot clock era began in 1954-55) to shoot 100% on at least seven field goal attempts with seven or fewer career games played.
Prior to college, Goodwin played for Wizards guard Bradley Beal’s AAU squad, Bradley Beal Elite, in Saint Louis from the eighth grade through his final year of high school.
“I believe I was the next man up”: Goodwin
“If Brad was here and someone else was out, he always said ‘next man up,'” Goodwin remarked after the game. “I believe I was the next man up, and I just took advantage of the chance that was presented to me.”
“He’s a dawg,” remarked Corey Kispert. “On defense, he’s a problem, on offense, he makes the appropriate play, and he doesn’t try to play out of himself.” That is the recipe for making the most of an opportunity.
I adore Jordan and am overjoyed that he is accomplishing so much. No one is more deserving.”
Goodwin’s defense has begun to fill some of the vacuum created by Delon Wright’s absence from the lineup due to a hamstring injury. Kispert mentioned that his enthusiasm is important for the team, in addition to the manner he performs on the court.
He made his debut with the Wizards in December after being called up from the Capital City Go-Go on a 10-day contract through the NBA Hardship Exceptions. Goodwin saw action in two games. The Wizards changed him to a two-way deal earlier this season in order to fill a roster spot.
Monte Morris is used to grinding his way into the NBA under a two-way contract, as Goodwin has done this season.
“I began with a two-way [contract].” I’m just pleased for him because I remember how I began my NBA career. On both ends, it’s just his hunger. It brings me joy to watch him as a brother. I remain focused on him. I keep whispering in his ear. His efforts are bearing fruit.”
Goodwin appears to be the real deal based on a small sample size of games. The question is if he can earn his way into a permanent position on the team. Only time will tell, but he has been exactly what the Wizards needed to be competitive in the absence of Beal and Wright.
