The Washington Wizards’ signing of Jordan Goodwin to a 10-day contract last December flew under the radar for many, but not for Bradley Beal.
Washington had Jordan in their 2021 training camp, but Brad had known all about the Bradley Beal Elite alum a lot longer than that, and he knew Washington had a hidden gem in Jordan long before anyone else did.
Jordan’s contributions to the 2021-22 Wizards were limited. He spent most of the season in the G-League, only got into two games for Washington and didn’t register a point.
But he did enough to make the Wizards want to see more. They signed him to a two-way deal before the season. He played sparingly in Washington’s first eight games of the 22-23 season, but injuries and illness among the Wizards have forced him into a bigger role as the season has gone on, and he’s thriving.
He flashed in a loss to Memphis on November 6th, playing a career-high 26 minutes and giving the Wizards nine points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Jordan Goodwin was a bright spot for the Wizards in Sunday’s loss at Memphis. His line of 9-8-5-2-1 reflects the well-rounded, high-energy performance he put together in 26 minutes in just his sixth NBA game. He’s an excellent defender and certainly a player to keep an eye on. pic.twitter.com/817l2qS52C
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2022
One night later, J-Good couldn’t miss. He knocked down all seven of his shots for 17 points, and added five assists and four rebounds in a win over the Hornets.
goody didn't miss tonight 😮💨#DCAboveAll | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/XjWaBKoSiG
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 8, 2022
My boy J GOOD!!! https://t.co/1qdQMRWlAc
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) November 8, 2022
Now the world knows what Bradley Beal has known about Jordan Goodwin for years.
“I’m super proud, man,” Brad said. “Good is a tremendous guy. It makes me beyond proud to see his journey, being a part of his life since he was 14, 15 years old, maybe even younger. Just to see him transition to where he is now — a grown man, dad, playing in the NBA — like, who knew this would happen?”
A week after his breakout back-to-back, Jordan had 10 points and eight boards in a win over Minnesota. Brad returned to the lineup for the next game, finally getting an extended chance to play alongside Jordan, who has become a key part of the Washington second unit.
On November 20th, while Brad scored 26 points, Jordan came off the bench with five points and three blocks in a win over the Hornets. A few games later, the duo combined for a highlight reel alley-oop against the Boston Celtics and another BBE alum, Jayson Tatum.
Image for the ages!!! 3 St. Louis Eagles / Bradley Beal Elite Alumni battling for a loss ball in “The” League! @RealDealBeal23 @jaytatum0 @JGood_0 #FlyHigh pic.twitter.com/bFtnMHZbkO
— Bradley Beal Elite (@BradBealElite) November 20, 2022
Brother to Brother!!! #FlyHigh https://t.co/9xqQyPi6eU
— Bradley Beal Elite (@BradBealElite) November 28, 2022
“He’s getting the opportunity to play, he’s getting the opportunity to showcase what he can do and taking full advantage of it. So I can’t be more proud of him,” Brad said. I’m always tough on him, I’m always pushing him to continue to get better, continue to not be complacent. “Earn your name, earn your way here, ‘cause this is an opportunity given to you.”