Suns: 5 Goals For Archie Goodwin In 2015-16

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with guard Archie Goodwin (20) in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with guard Archie Goodwin (20) in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Phoenix Suns
Mar 30, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake (5) defends Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cut Down On Turnovers

As a rookie, Goodwin averaged 0.8 turnovers per game. Last season, that number bumped up to 1.2 turnovers per game. Those numbers don’t seem very high at all, but considering he was only playing 10.3 and 13.0 minutes per game in those two seasons, this is one element of his game that needs improvement.

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  • Last year, Goodwin’s turnover rate (16.8 percent) was actually greater than his assist rate (12.6 percent). Unlike the home stretch of last season, Goodwin won’t be playing many minutes at point guard. But his Per 36 Minutes numbers — 3.0 turnovers as a rookie and 3.2 turnovers last season — are Eric Bledsoe-esque in the “needs improvement” category.

    According to Basketball-Reference, 21 of Goodwin’s 48 turnovers last season came from bad passes, while 17 came from simply losing the ball.

    Goodwin’s lack of a three-point shot definitely plays a factor here. Without the ability to spread the floor, defenses are able to play off of him and cut off that quick first step of his before it even happens. Still, when Goodwin does attack, or even when he’s working within an offensive set, he should focus on taking better care of that basketball.

    Next: No. 4