Drew Gooden (basketball)
A versatile and well-traveled NBA big man whose 14-season journey embodied the life of a reliable, adaptable professional in a transient league.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 24·Millennials
Biography
Drew Gooden carved out a solid and lengthy NBA career not as a franchise cornerstone, but as the ultimate adaptable professional. The 6'10" power forward from Oakland burst onto the national scene at the University of Kansas, where his energetic play made him a consensus All-American. Drafted fourth overall in 2002, he immediately showed his worth, earning All-Rookie First Team honors. What followed was a quintessential journeyman's path: over 14 seasons, he suited up for 10 different teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers where he started alongside a young LeBron James. Gooden's value was in his consistency—a player who could provide a double-double on any given night, stretch the floor with a reliable mid-range jumper, and battle on the boards. He was a piece that contenders and rebuilders alike sought, playing meaningful minutes deep into the playoffs for teams like the Dallas Mavericks. In retirement, he smoothly transitioned to broadcasting, bringing the grounded perspective of a player who saw the league from nearly every possible angle.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Drew was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Drew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Drew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named a consensus First-Team All-American in 2002 after his junior season at the University of Kansas.
- Selected 4th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
- Played in 51 playoff games across his career, including a run to the 2011 Western Conference Finals with the Dallas Mavericks.
- Averaged a double-double (11.9 points, 10.2 rebounds) for the 2004-05 Cleveland Cavaliers, starting all 82 games.
Did You Know?
He owns the unusual distinction of having been traded for Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton (in a multi-player deal in 2003).
He wore number 90 for much of his career as a tribute to his hometown area code (510) of Oakland, California.
He is a co-host of the 'Point Forward' podcast alongside former NBA player Evan Turner.
“I brought energy and rebounding every night, no matter whose jersey I wore.”
