clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Phoenix Suns Rookie Archie Goodwin Just Wants to be Archie Goodwin

In the second half of an exclusive interview with Bright Side of the Sun, Archie Goodwin discusses his off-court interests, favorite NBA players growing up and why he doesn't try to model his game after anyone.

Archie Goodwin's got swag.
Archie Goodwin's got swag.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Phoenix Suns rookie Archie Goodwin and discussing a variety of topics with him as he is officially about to embark on his NBA journey. In the first segment of the interview, Archie talked about his summer, workouts with several Suns teammates and his excitement about being in Phoenix.

In my conversation with Archie, one thing really stood out to me: his confidence. He not only exhibited obvious belief in himself and his abilities, but his conviction was also evident in his professionalism and comfort while answering questions. It seems strange (and quite cliche) to say this but it was evident to me after just one phone call that Archie possesses a rare level of poise for a 19 year old. As a 21 year old, I can attest to this - awkward is my middle name (just kidding, I don't have a middle name).

Without further ado, let's jump right into Part 2 of my exclusive interview with every Suns fan's favorite 19 year old:

Q: You have quite the fan base in Phoenix even before you've played your first regulation NBA minute. You had a great summer league and really showed a lot of things. What are you hoping to show fans in your rookie season?

I'm going to be a guy that's going to work hard every day - that's never going to be a problem. -Archie Goodwin

A: I'm just looking to show them what they're going to be excited about. I'm going to be a guy that's going to work hard every day - that's never going to be a problem. I'm just here to prove that I belong here so with their support and me continuing to have confidence and work hard, I think we're going to have a really good year.

Q: Has the coaching staff told you to work on any one skill in particular?

A: They've really just been telling me to look for certain things when I'm attacking like keeping my head up so I can see the basket better there. That's really the biggest thing they've been preaching. Sometimes when I'm going full speed, they're telling me to make sure I keep my head up. Since I can attack so well, more and more people are going to start to try to be in the frame when I'm there so they're just telling me to look out for that and make sure that if I'm not able to finish there, I make a good pass.

Q: What are your off-court hobbies?

A: I really don't do much. I just stay at home and rest up because I spend so much time in the gym that I need that time off the court to rest.

Q: How are you liking Phoenix?

A: I like it a lot. It's just so hot. It's a different type of heat out here but other than that, it's a real cool, relaxed, laid back city so it fits me perfectly.

Q: Alright, time to talk about some of your favorites. Favorite movie?

A: Pacific Rim.

Q: Favorite rapper?

A: Gucci Mane.

Q: Favorite player growing up?

A: My favorite player growing up was a tie between Tracy McGrady and Kobe. Me being a scorer, I liked those guys because were two of the best ever at scoring, especially at their prime. I really admired the way they played and how much passion they had. You could just see how much work they put in to being better than other players at their position.

Q: Who do you try to model your game after?

I'm not trying to be Michael Jordan. I'm not trying to be Kobe. I'm trying to be Archie Goodwin. -Archie Goodwin

A: I really don't try to model my game after anyone. I prefer to be my own player so I just work on the things I feel make me successful. If I happen to pattern someone, it's not by choice. Maybe we have a similar body type or something but it's not like I'm trying my hardest to be someone. I'm not trying to be Michael Jordan. I'm not trying to be Kobe. I'm trying to be Archie Goodwin.

Q: What's one thing you want to share with Suns fans that most people might not know about you?

A: There's not too much, really. It's not like I'm a secretive guy. I guess if they ever want to say something to me, they can, I'm polite. Sometimes people say I mug all the time but that's not the case. That's just the way I look. I'm not mugging anybody, that's just my natural face. That's the only thing I can think of.

Q: One last thing: you're really good at making Vine videos. You're a funny guy so I just want to tell you to definitely keep that up.

A: [laughs] I get bored, man. That's the only reason I do that. I don't have anything else to do so I just make Vine videos when I'm bored. But alright man, I got you.

There it is, folks. Archie Goodwin is looking forward to getting his rookie season underway and we couldn't be more excited. I want to express my gratitude to Archie for being a fantastic sport through this interview. As I already mentioned, he was friendly, professional and a just a great guy to speak with. On a personal level, there couldn't have been a better person for me to cover in my first ever player interview. Now go follow him on Twitter and watch his Vine videos.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Bright Side of the Sun Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Phoenix Suns news from Bright Side of the Sun