"Rose, it's been a pleasure working with you!"
"Goodwin, likewise!"
The next day, Goodwin had several professionals review the contract. They all reached the same conclusion: there were no problems.
So Goodwin signed with Leon Rose.
After the deal was signed, Leon Rose immediately got to work.
When the other agents heard the news, they were so furious they stamped their feet. That rising star had actually signed with Leon Rose! It was like pepper steeped in vinegar—bitter indeed!
"Congratulations, Goodwin." Paul Pierce was the first to call and congratulate him.
"Thank you, Paul." Goodwin replied politely.
After signing, Goodwin returned to his usual routine: training, watching the playoffs, and sleeping. He was keeping himself busy.
Goodwin kept a close eye on the playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 6, the Nuggets still couldn't hold off the Timberwolves. A string of turnovers in the closing moments proved fatal, costing them the game.
Once the first round of the playoffs ended, fans turned their attention to the winners of the 2003–04 regular-season awards.
At 9 a.m. on May 1, the NBA announced:
This season's Most Valuable Player was Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game, leading his team to the best record in the Western Conference. A well-deserved honor.
Defensive Player of the Year: Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers. He averaged 2.08 steals per game, third in the league, and held opponents to fewer than 8.1 points per game, helping his team finish first in the Eastern Conference.
Rookie of the Year: Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets.
Sixth Man of the Year: Antawn Jamison of the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting