Archie Goodwin: I want to be a part of the Nets future

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Archie Goodwin is looking to transform his 10-day contract into life-changing fortune. Goodwin has two games and five days left on his current deal and he’s looking to make an impression on Sean Marks, Kenny Atkinson and the Brooklyn Nets organization.

He did just that on Tuesday. In 17 minutes, the 22-year-old combo guard recorded 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting to go along with five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, both of the sensational variety. He did miss three shots from deep. Most of the time, he filled in at point guard.

Although Goodwin just joined the team last week, he told reporters before the game that he was familiar with the Nets and for good reason. He said he watched a lot of their season.

“When I first got here I told Sean Marks ‘You know from the beginning of the season I’ve watched your team play.’ To be truthful, I watched 90 percent of their games. The other ones I couldn’t watch because I was playing in Greensboro,” Goodwin told NetsDaily before Tuesday’s game against Detroit.

He didn’t say why, but the Nets were reportedly interested in the 6’5” Goodwin earlier in the season as they shuffled point guards after Jeremy Lin, then Greivis Vasquez went down. Marks picked him up from the Greensboro Swarm of the D-League on March 15 and Tuesday was his first chance to show what he can do.

“The games I watched I said, ‘Man this team plays hard and they really play for each other.’ It’s one of those situations where the pieces aren’t there just yet. They’re – I mean we’re - definitely headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of this.”

Goodwin was particularly intrigued with the situation the Nets find themselves in, one that includes young players looking to make a roster in the future. He told NetsDaily he hopes to make Brooklyn his home.

“Being in Phoenix for three years where I never really got an opportunity, then (I was in) New Orleans where I didn't get an opportunity as well,” he said at shootaround. “Just looking at this opportunity here and being able to come in and work like I've been working, I'm just trying to take advantage."

"It’s just one of those things where, in order for you to just be successful in the NBA, you have to work hard, that's already understood, but you also have to be in the right place at the right time,” Goodwin says of this opportunity in Brooklyn.

“You could work so hard and nothing can happen for you if you're in the wrong situation. You have to be fortunate enough to get in the right situation, and when you get there, take advantage of it. I feel like I'm in that situation now. Unfortunately, Lin had an ankle injury, but it'll give me a couple of games or however long he's out, to make a name for myself."

He also sees a model for his success in Sean Kilpatrick, who the Nets called up from Delaware a year ago, then signed to a three-year deal.

"You know, I've never told Sean this, but I've watched Sean for a while now. I've always thought he was really good, he just never got the opportunity to prove himself,” Goodwin said. “I used to see that whether it was 10 minutes or 12 minutes, he would make an impact on the game -- double digit points, a couple of rebounds. I've always seen that, and if always think 'why has no one ever given this guy a chance?'

The same could be said of Goodwin and after a few games like he had Tuesday, he might be mimicking Kilpatrick’s journey.

“I’m obviously blessed to be here just to get the opportunity to play in the NBA for a team with the situation that I really want to be a part of that’s going in the right direction for the future. I really can’t ask for anything else so I’m just trying to play my part, be the best teammate I can be and be effective when I’m on the court.”

And he gets a chance to let the Suns know they made a mistake on Thursday when Phoenix comes to town.

• Goodwin on defense, energy (Video) - YES Network