The Golden State Warriors have been holding an open roster spot for Andre Iguodala in the event the 38-year-old forward wants to run it back one more time. It seems Iggy’s decision will be announced on his weekly podcast, Point Forward.
That’s according to Marc Stein, at least (subscription required).
Stein also reports that the Warriors expect Iguodala to announce he is returning to the Dubs for another season — but the franchise is ready for anything.
Andre Igoudala is expected to announce his return to the Golden State Warriors on his weekly Apple Podcast with Evan Turner.
This is something the Warriors have been hopeful for. Iguodala is a valuable locker room presence who has unmatched chemistry with the championship core. it would be difficult to replace Iggy’s experience.
Still, his on-court value has dipped quite a lot since 2019.
Iguodala was already declining as a contributor when the Dubs fell short in the 2019 NBA Finals. His athleticism has dwindled and he’s never been much of a 3-point shooter.
Since then, he’s only grown older and more injury prone.
Last season, Iguodala played just 31 games for the Warriors and missed all but seven playoff games.
In the postseason, Iggy averaged below 10 minutes per game of playing time.
It’s clear his value is no longer something the Warriors are looking for on the court. Instead, it’s his leadership and more than a decade’s worth of championship-level experience.
Iggy has seen it all at this point in his career and the Warriors can use a veteran like him in case of emergencies. Especially, with young prospects on the roster like Jonathan Kuminga who can use Iguodala as the perfect mentor to hone his own two-way talents.
So while Iguodala will not be a high-usage, Finals MVP-type player anymore — the Dubs can still make the most out of him as the final member of the roster.