Dane Goodwin Signs with Utah Jazz, Eyes NBA Breakthrough

Former Notre Dame star Dane Goodwin has signed with the Utah Jazz, offering the potential for a third NBA representative from the university after Pat Connaughton and Blake Wesley. 

Goodwin, who spent last season with the Sacramento Kings’ G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, and later appeared in two games during the 2023 NBA Summer League, now has a fresh opportunity to show his talent.

The signing came just two days before the Jazz opened their training camp for the 2024-25 NBA season. While it’s likely that Goodwin’s role in camp is to provide extra depth and give the coaching staff more options during preseason evaluations, his journey could still evolve. 

As things stand, Goodwin hasn’t made a significant impact in professional basketball, but his signing with the Jazz indicates that he may begin the season in the G-League, likely with their affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars.

After a successful collegiate run at Notre Dame, where he was known for his scoring ability and basketball IQ, the guard’s transition to the professional level has been slow, with limited exposure in both the G-League and Summer League. However, signing with an NBA team at this stage in his career still signals the belief that he can contribute—whether in a development role or as a potential call-up.

For Notre Dame fans, the hope is that Goodwin’s hard work in camp will pay off and put him in contention for meaningful minutes, either in the G-League or, optimistically, in the NBA. While cracking the Jazz’s regular-season roster may be a long shot, his presence in camp and possible preseason appearances are a step in the right direction.

If Goodwin can seize the opportunity and stand out, his chances of playing in the NBA could steadily increase. Even starting the season in the G-League provides him with a platform to improve and remain on the Jazz’s radar. Only time will tell if Goodwin can follow in the footsteps of Connaughton and Wesley, making his dream of playing in the NBA a reality.