When I first saw Brandin Goodwin step onto the court during Summer League, I immediately noticed something different. It wasn't just his explosive first step or his smooth shooting form - it was the way his teammates responded to him. There was this palpable energy, this collective excitement that seemed to ripple through the entire roster whenever he made a play. And honestly, that's when I started believing we might be witnessing the emergence of the NBA's next genuine breakout star.
I've been covering basketball for over a decade now, and I've seen plenty of promising young players come through the league. Some fizzle out, some become solid rotation pieces, and a select few become genuine stars. What separates Goodwin from the pack, in my view, is that intangible quality that makes everyone around him better. I remember talking to one of his veteran teammates after a particularly impressive preseason game, and he told me something that stuck with me: "We're really lucky to have these new guys coming in who are so excited to improve and be part of this journey with us." That quote perfectly captures the environment Goodwin has helped create - one of mutual growth and shared excitement about the future.
Let me paint you a picture from a game I attended last month. Fourth quarter, down by seven with three minutes left, and Goodwin takes over in a way I haven't seen from a second-year player in ages. He drained back-to-back three-pointers from way beyond the arc - we're talking 28 feet out on both shots. Then came the defensive play that really sealed it for me - he anticipated a crosscourt pass, got the steal, and finished with a thunderous dunk that brought the entire arena to its feet. In that moment, I wasn't just watching a basketball player; I was witnessing someone who understands how to seize momentum and completely shift the game's energy.
The numbers, while impressive, don't fully capture his impact. Goodwin averaged 18.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game in his limited minutes last season, but what's more telling is his on/off court numbers. When Goodwin was on the floor, his team's offensive rating jumped by 12.3 points per 100 possessions. That's not just good - that's All-Star level impact. And before anyone says "small sample size," I've tracked his performance across different situations - against elite defenders, in clutch moments, on back-to-backs - and the consistency is remarkable for someone so young.
What really excites me about Goodwin, though, is how he's evolving as a playmaker. I've noticed his assist numbers trending upward while his turnovers have decreased significantly since the All-Star break last season. He's reading defenses like a veteran, making the right pass instead of the flashy one, and understanding when to push the tempo versus when to slow things down. In today's positionless basketball era, having a guard who can both create his own shot and facilitate for others is incredibly valuable. I'd argue he's already in the top 15 among point guards in terms of pure playmaking ability, and he's only getting better.
I can't help but compare Goodwin's development trajectory to some of the league's current superstars. Think about Stephen Curry in his second season or Damian Lillard's early years - there's that same combination of confidence, skill, and that mysterious "it" factor that separates good players from franchise cornerstones. While Goodwin might not have Curry's otherworldly shooting touch just yet, his athleticism and defensive potential might actually be higher at this stage of their respective careers. He's already shown he can guard multiple positions effectively, something that took some of today's stars several seasons to develop.
The organization clearly believes in him too. I've heard from multiple sources within the team that they're building their offensive system around his strengths - more pick-and-roll actions, more spacing to allow him driving lanes, and designing plays that capitalize on his decision-making in transition. They've surrounded him with shooters and defensive specialists that complement his skill set perfectly. It's the kind of organizational commitment that often precedes a major leap in production.
Now, I'm not saying he's going to win MVP next season or anything crazy like that. There are still areas he needs to improve - his free throw percentage could be better at 78.3%, and he sometimes gambles too much on defense. But the foundation is there, and more importantly, the mindset is there. Every time I've spoken with him or watched him interact with coaches and teammates, I come away impressed by his combination of humility and confidence. He knows he has work to do, but he also believes in his ability to become great.
Looking ahead to this season, I'm predicting Goodwin will average around 22 points and 8 assists while making his first All-Star appearance. The pieces are aligning perfectly - increased role, system tailored to his strengths, and that infectious enthusiasm that makes everyone around him better. When his veteran teammate talked about how lucky they felt to have new players who are excited to improve and be part of the journey, I'm convinced he was thinking primarily about Goodwin. In a league constantly searching for its next transcendent talent, I believe we might have found him. The excitement isn't just about what Goodwin is now, but about what he's becoming - and from where I'm sitting, that future looks incredibly bright.