With the 2015-16 season concluded, Suns.com takes a look at each individual player heading into the summer. We’ll include a look back at some of his best highlights, his season in general, and what could lie in store heading into next year. A new player review will be revealed each weekday in alphabetical order. The player names listed below will become clickable links as each one’s review is published. Feel free to comment below to give your own take!
MORE REVIEWS: Eric Bledsoe | Devin Booker | Chase Budinger | Tyson Chandler | Archie Goodwin | John Jenkins | Brandon Knight | Alex Len | Jon Leuer | Ronnie Price | Mirza Teletovic | PJ Tucker | TJ Warren | Alan Williams
Archie Goodwin
Bio: 6-5, 200 pounds, 20 years old
2015-16 Stats: 8.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.1 apg
Offseason Status: Under contract with Phoenix
Season in Review: Goodwin continues to pay his dues, and the results are encouraging. His minutes, scoring, rebounding and assists numbers have risen in each of his three years with the Suns. It's hard to believe he's been here that long already, especially since he doesn't turn 21 until August. That early investment in his talent -- which began by trading for his draft rights in 2013 -- is paying off.
The bulk of Goodwin's minutes came in the middle of the season, when injuries to the backcourt left him, Devin Booker and Ronnie Price as the last guards standing. In February, he put up 15.0 points, 3.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds per contest. His slashing game was on full display; he scored three-fourths of those points in the paint or at the free throw line.
Video Highlight
The Next Step
Goodwin's shot (41.7 percent overall, 23.2 percent from three) is still developing, but there are signs of progress. The 6-5 guard hit a respectable 10-of-26 (38.5 percent) on straightaway threes, by far his most accurate zone on the perimeter. "Shooting better" is a daunting homework project for any young player, but finding a hot spot or two is all he needs to 1) earn a defense's respect and 2) open up more natural lanes in which to do damage off the dribble.
During his February bulge in playing time, Goodwin ranked in the league's top 50 in free throw attempts per game. His affinity for the rim and drawing fouls goes back to his college days, but he can make his strength even stronger. He shot 49.5 percent in the restricted area, six percent below the league average. If Goodwin can pick his spots more judiciously and finish stronger when he does make a move, his scoring and efficiency could take a huge leap.