Conseco Fieldhouse:
The game was still more than three hours away, but Goodwin was already surrounded by reporters.
The media rarely got a chance to interview Goodwin outside of game days, so they treasured every opportunity to speak with him.
A blonde reporter eagerly asked, "Goodwin, how do you feel about making the playoffs for the first time?"
Goodwin replied, "A little happy and a little nervous."
As soon as he finished speaking, a Black reporter hurriedly asked, "Goodwin, what do you think about the Rookie of the Year race? Do you think you have a chance to win?"
Rookie of the Year?
Goodwin smiled and shook his head. "Man, do you think someone averaging just 12.3 points can contend for Rookie of the Year? Even if the league gave it to me, I'd be embarrassed to accept." In other words, he had no chance of winning the award.
The Black reporter pressed on. "Then who do you think should be this year's Rookie of the Year? Most people think LeBron James will win. Do you agree with them?"
The smile vanished from Goodwin's face. He looked at the reporter without expression and asked, "What do you think matters most in sports?"
The Black reporter thought for a moment and was about to answer.
But Goodwin beat him to it. "Winning!"
"There are two options. The first is a stat line of 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists, along with a team victory. The second is 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with a team loss. Which would you choose?"
The Black reporter was about to answer again, but Goodwin interrupted him once more, not giving him a chance. "I'd choose the first without hesitation. Individual stats mean nothing compared to winning."
As soon as Goodwin finished