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Is it time the Golden State Warriors have a conversation with Andre Iguodala?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors cheers on his team after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Alamodome on January 13, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors cheers on his team after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Alamodome on January 13, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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Andre Iguodala will go down as a Golden State Warriors legend when it’s all said and done, but right now the 39-year-old’s presence on the reigning champions’ roster is proving a major headache.

After an offseason of contemplation about his future, Iguodala chose to return for one final season with the Warriors just prior to training camp. The veteran had played just 31 regular season games in 2021-22, but concluded it by winning his fourth NBA championship.

Does Bob Myers and the Golden State Warriors’ front office need to have a tough conversation with veteran Andre Iguodala?

There was little expectation that Iguodala would play a major impact with the Warriors, but one could have still expected him to be available for more than three total games as we enter the last quarter of the season.

His place on the roster isn’t an issue in isolation, but combined with other factors it’s becoming an almost untenable situation. The Warriors have failed to utilize a vacant roster spot, have a number of young players making little to no impact, and have suffered their fair share of injuries at different points. Something has to give.

Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry celebrating their fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors last season. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry celebrating their fourth NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors last season. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Golden State have signed Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract and their 15th roster spot, though it’s likely that one of Anthony Lamb or Ty Jerome will replace him in that spot. However, given the impact they’ve made to the team this season, you could make the argument both two-way players should be placed on the main roster to be eligible for the postseason.

The Warriors would have to waive a player for that to occur. There are clearly three players in line should that happen. Iguodala is one, simply because he’s never available to play and it’s his last season in the league anyway. The second would be Ryan Rollins who, despite some obvious talent, is the least regarded of Golden State’s young players. The third would be JaMychal Green, though that’s unlikely given he’s still a part of the rotation, albeit in a limited role.

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Look, it’s improbable that the Warriors will waive Iguodala for multiple reasons. His leadership and experience will prove even more valuable should they make the playoffs. If he manages to get himself fit, then at least he’s someone that Steve Kerr will trust to put out on the floor during big games and big moments. Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, waiving him would simply be a rather unceremonious and unfair ending to a legendary career.

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