The Phoenix Suns have become known for their affinity for guards, but unlike last year, when the team boasted three starting-caliber point guards, the 2015-16 version of the Suns will feature a crowded backcourt thanks to a logjam at the shooting guard position.
With Brandon Knight acting as the starting 2-guard and Ronnie Price set to run the point when either he or Eric Bledsoe takes a breather, there are only so many minutes to go around for the team’s three shooting guards, Sonny Weems, Devin Booker and Archie Goodwin.
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That logjam might not alleviate itself any time soon, with the Suns having a second-year option on Weems’ contract, Booker being a rookie and 2014 NBA draft pick Bogdan Bogdanovic possibly heading stateside next summer to join the Suns. For Archie Goodwin, the 2015-16 year could very well be a make-or-break season.
Based on what we’ve seen from head coach Jeff Hornacek‘s rotations so far in the preseason, is there a chance Goodwin is already the odd man out among that bench trio?
Through four preseason games, Goodwin is averaging 6.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the floor and 33.3 percent shooting from downtown. He’s earned one start and is averaging a respectable 19.3 minutes per game.
Compare that to Weems (21.6 minutes per game and one start) and Booker (22.8 minutes per game and one start) and it’s pretty clear that Hornacek has been spreading the minutes fairly consistently among these three players vying for minutes. Once you take a look at the production, however, it begins to appear like Goodwin is the most likely one to be phased out of the rotation.
Weems’ preseason numbers — 5.0 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game — aren’t particularly eye-popping, but they’re decidedly more well-rounded than Goodwin’s. Though Weems is shooting an anemic 12.5 percent from three-point range, these are extremely small sample sizes we’re talking about and he’s been a 40 percent long range shooter the last few years overseas.
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His offense may not be clicking, but Weems is a great cutter off the ball, he’s the superior defender of the trio and, as his eight-assist game against Denver showed, he brings a lot more to the table than just scoring.
Booker’s numbers are the most impressive of the three, with the Suns rookie averaging 11.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. He’s only shooting 37.5 percent from the floor, but he’s been lights out from three-point range, knocking down 46.2 percent of his attempts.
The young 18-year-old also has the power of perception on his side. Most fans are looking forward to his bright future already, with his trademark gift of spreading the floor as a pure shooter being a perfect fit for what Phoenix is trying to build. Booker’s 20-point outing against the Houston Rockets was an eye-opener, especially since 15 of those came in the fourth quarter on big-time buckets from the outside and right at the basket.
RIP Phoenix Suns Archie Goodwin?
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) October 14, 2015
Booker’s 20-point night dwarfs the best we’ve seen from Goodwin and Weems so far in the preseason, with their scoring highs being 11 apiece. Booker’s second-best night, a 13-point outing in Denver, also tops the best we’ve seen from the Suns’ two other shooting guards.
However, even bearing all of that in mind, it’s still far too early to give up on Archie Goodwin.
For one thing, Hornacek has been consistent in his stance that when it comes to this backup trio, he’s going to ride the hot hand. Some nights the Suns will need poise and defense, which means Weems might get more minutes. Other nights, Booker might heat up from downtown and Hornacek will give him some extra burn.
Sir Charles In Charge
But still other nights, Phoenix could use Goodwin’s ability to attack the basket off the dribble and get to the foul line. His three-point shot is definitely still a work in progress, even with a new and improved stroke, but Goodwin shouldn’t be dismissed so easily — by coaches and fans alike.
Hornacek’s concerted effort to get Goodwin in these games, even in the preseason when most guys get in off the bench, means the Suns haven’t given up on him. With Booker being inexperienced and Weems probably not a lock to be a consistent force off the bench in his first season back in the NBA, the opening is still there for Goodwin to make an impact when he gets his chances.
Against Utah, Goodwin only finished with seven points and three steals, but his performance was the epitome of the balance between his potential and his inability to live up to the hype so far. One play he’d attack the basket like a pro, drawing contact and finishing tough shots around the rim; the next, he’d just look out of control, like he was trying to force the issue.
Even after being blocked by Rudy Gobert a few times, Hornacek said he didn’t mind Goodwin’s aggressive mentality in the slightest.
“That’s what we want him to do,” he said. “He’s very good when he attacks the basket. You’re gonna get your shot blocked every once in awhile, especially by Gobert, he’s probably one of the best shot blockers in the league. So those are things when you attack, you can’t shy away from those guys. Yeah maybe they’ll block it, but maybe one time you’ll get a foul.”
Warren started backcourt pressure, Hornacek yelled for him to keep it up. Goodwin takes note, dives for loose ball, earns huge applause.
— Matt Petersen (@TheMattPetersen) October 10, 2015
The fact of the matter is Goodwin has more than enough talent, athleticism and potential to make it in this league. He works extremely hard and if Weems fails to adjust to life back in the NBA, Goodwin and Booker could earn the lion’s share of the minutes off the bench at the 2. It’s also worth noting that Goodwin’s 2016-17 team option is only $2.1 million.
Goodwin has only been able to legally purchase alcohol for a few months now, so even though he’s entering his third season in the league, he’s still extremely young. The potential for growth is still there, so even if he’s seen around the league as an attractive trade asset, general manager Ryan McDonough hasn’t been one to give up that kind of thing unless he sees a great return from doing so.
The 2015-16 season may be frustrating for Goodwin if he’s unable to prove his worth and earn regular minutes in the rotation, especially since he’s already lashed out about a lack of playing time in the past. But even with Bogdanovic potentially joining the Suns next summer, Goodwin still has time to stand out and force Hornacek to feed him minutes.
He has to make the most of his opportunities when he gets them, but with Goodwin only being 21 years old and extremely motivated, it’s too early for the coaches, fans and even Archie himself to give up on this situation just yet.
“I like what he’s doing,” Hornacek said after the Utah game. “He’s playing hard defensively, he’s made some great passes over these last couple of games and when he can attack the basket like that, he’s made extra passes. He’s doing what we’re asking.”
Next: 5 Goals For Archie Goodwin In 2015-16