Is Brandon Goodwin the NBA's Most Underrated Backup Point Guard?

The question of who truly deserves the title of the NBA's most underrated backup point guard has been on my mind a lot lately, and increasingly, I find myself circling back to Brandon Goodwin. Having watched the league closely for years, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle yet critical contributions of players who don’t always make the headlines but whose impact is undeniable. Goodwin, in my view, fits that mold perfectly. When I look at his journey—from going undrafted to carving out a meaningful role with teams like the Atlanta Hawks and, more recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers—it’s hard not to admire his resilience and steady presence on the court. I remember watching a Cavaliers post-game interview where a teammate, perhaps echoing the sentiments of the whole squad, said something that stuck with me: "Swerte namin talaga rin na may mga bagong pumasok na sobrang excited kaming makitang mag-improve at makasama pa sa journey na ‘to." Translated, it means, "We’re really lucky to have new guys coming in, and we’re excited to see them improve and be part of this journey." That phrase, to me, encapsulates why Goodwin is such an asset—he’s not just filling minutes; he’s genuinely elevating the team’s spirit and performance in ways that often fly under the radar.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment, because they tell part of the story, even if they don’t capture everything. In the 2020-21 season with the Hawks, Goodwin averaged around 4.9 points and 2.0 assists per game in roughly 13 minutes of action. On the surface, those stats might not jump off the page, but when you dig deeper, you see his efficiency—he shot nearly 42% from the field and around 36% from beyond the arc, which, for a backup guard in limited minutes, is nothing to scoff at. I’ve always believed that the true value of a player like Goodwin lies in his ability to stabilize the offense when the starters are resting. He doesn’t turn the ball over much, with a turnover rate hovering at about 1.2 per game last season, and he brings a pesky defensive energy that disrupts opposing guards. From my perspective, what sets him apart is his basketball IQ; he reads the game well, makes smart passes, and knows when to push the tempo or slow things down. It’s no wonder his teammates feel "lucky" to have him—he’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, even if the box score doesn’t always reflect it.

I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for underdogs, and Goodwin’s journey resonates with me. He wasn’t a top draft pick or a household name coming out of college, but he’s worked his way up through grit and determination. Watching him in clutch moments, like that game against the Orlando Magic where he dropped 15 points off the bench and hit a crucial three-pointer, I couldn’t help but think, "This guy deserves more recognition." His impact goes beyond stats; it’s in the way he communicates on defense, how he mentors younger players, and the positive energy he brings to the locker room. In today’s NBA, where flashy highlights often overshadow consistent role players, Goodwin is a reminder that success isn’t just about star power—it’s about building a cohesive unit. As that quote suggests, having someone like him who’s excited to improve and be part of the journey is invaluable for team chemistry and long-term growth.

Of course, there are other solid backup point guards out there—players like Tyus Jones or Delon Wright come to mind—but I’d argue Goodwin brings a unique blend of reliability and upside that’s often overlooked. For instance, in the 2021-22 season, he posted a plus-minus of +3.5 in games where he played over 15 minutes, indicating his teams tend to perform better when he’s on the floor. That’s the kind of subtle impact that wins games over a long season. From a coaching standpoint, having a backup you can trust to run the offense without major drop-offs is a luxury, and Goodwin provides just that. He might not have the explosive scoring of a sixth man, but his all-around game makes him a steady hand in turbulent moments. Personally, I think if he were given more minutes or a larger role, he’d easily average 8-10 points and 4 assists, numbers that would turn more heads.

In conclusion, after reflecting on his contributions and the intangible qualities highlighted by his teammates, I’m convinced Brandon Goodwin is one of the most underrated backup point guards in the NBA today. His journey, marked by perseverance and a team-first attitude, aligns perfectly with the idea of being "lucky" to have him along for the ride. While he may not grab headlines or make All-Star teams, his value to a squad’s depth and morale is immense. As the league continues to evolve, I hope more fans and analysts start to appreciate players like Goodwin—the unsung heroes who keep the engine running smoothly. After all, in a sport as dynamic as basketball, it’s often these quiet contributors who make the biggest difference when it matters most.