Archie Goodwin Basketball Career Highlights and Where He Is Now
I remember the first time I saw Archie Goodwin play—it was during his one season at Kentucky, and even then you could see the raw athleticism that would define his professional journey. Standing at 6'5" with explosive leaping ability, Goodwin entered the NBA with considerable hype after being selected 29th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2013 draft, though his rights were immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. His rookie season showed flashes of what made him special; I recall one particular game against the Sacramento Kings where he dropped 19 points off the bench, showcasing that slashing ability and fearlessness attacking the rim that became his trademark. Over three seasons with the Suns, he appeared in 147 games, averaging around 6 points per game—not eye-popping numbers, but anyone watching closely could see his potential as a spark plug scorer.
The NBA journey took him through brief stints with the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans, but it was in the G League where he truly shined at times. I've followed his career closely because players like Goodwin represent the grind that often goes unnoticed—the 10-day contracts, the overseas opportunities, the constant hustle to stay relevant in a brutally competitive industry. After his NBA chapter, he ventured internationally, playing in countries like China and Lebanon, where he reportedly averaged over 25 points per game during the 2018-2019 season. Those international stints, while less covered by mainstream media, demonstrated his adaptability and scoring prowess against varied styles of play.
Now, you might wonder where Archie Goodwin is today. From what I've gathered through basketball circles and recent reports, he remains connected to the game, though his current involvement seems more low-profile compared to his earlier years. Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across news about the Philippine volleyball scene—specifically, how Choco Mucho will close out the Batangas leg of the league's preseason tilt versus Nxled. It struck me how athletes like Goodwin, once in the global spotlight, often transition into roles that keep them near the sport they love, whether through coaching, mentoring, or involvement in leagues worldwide. Though basketball and volleyball are different sports, the parallel lies in the athlete's journey—the preseason tilts, the relentless training, and the search for that next opportunity.
Reflecting on Goodwin's career, I've always felt he was somewhat underutilized in the NBA. His athletic metrics were off the charts—I remember reading he had a vertical leap of nearly 40 inches—and his ability to create his own shot could have been leveraged more in the right system. Nowadays, I wouldn't be surprised if he's involved in player development or perhaps exploring business ventures related to sports. The transition from professional athlete to post-career life is rarely smooth, but those with Goodwin's work ethic often find ways to stay relevant. Personally, I hope he's considering coaching; his experience navigating different leagues and cultures could make him a valuable mentor for young players.
The landscape of professional sports is unforgiving, and Goodwin's path reminds me why I admire athletes who persevere beyond the bright lights. While we might not see him on NBA courts anymore, his legacy includes those highlight-reel dunks and the respect he earned from teammates and opponents alike. As the Choco Mucho team prepares for their upcoming match in Batangas, it's a reminder that every athlete's journey—whether in basketball or volleyball—is filled with similar chapters of preseason battles, career pivots, and the eternal hope for what's next. For Archie Goodwin, I believe his story is far from over, and wherever he is now, he's likely applying the same determination that once made him a must-watch prospect.
