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Legendary figure leaves indelible mark at the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Andre Iguodala #9, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors pose with their championship rings in front of a championship banner during a ceremony prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Andre Iguodala #9, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors pose with their championship rings in front of a championship banner during a ceremony prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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A disappointing season came to an end for the Golden State Warriors on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, and with it the career of one of the franchise’s most impactful and legendary figures.

Andre Iguodala hasn’t spoken publicly since Golden State’s elimination, but an official retirement is inevitable for the 39-year-old forward. The former Finals MVP signed with the Warriors just before training camp, promising Stephen Curry that this would be his last season. 

A legend of the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala has left an indelible mark on the franchise that will be etched into history.

Iguodala has been one of Curry’s strongest supporters over the past decade, both from an on and off-court perspective. That undoubtedly played a big factor in his return to the Warriors after a brief stint with the Miami Heat, and in his commitment to one more season that unfortunately went pear-shaped in 2022-23.

Having already made the playoffs in six of his first nine seasons, Iguodala joined Golden State in July 2013 after his lone All-Star appearance the year prior in 2012. For all the productivity in his years with Philadelphia and then Denver, including better individual numbers, Iguodala will most be remembered for his selfless, success-driven nature at the Warriors.

Andre Iguodala celebrates a game-winner in his first season with the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Andre Iguodala celebrates a game-winner in his first season with the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Iguodala was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team in his first season with the franchise, then emphasized his unselfishness by embracing a sixth man role the following season with Steve Kerr in charge.

The then 31-year-old was thrust back into the starting lineup for Game 4 of that season’s NBA Finals, earning MVP for his impact in helping the Warriors rally from a 2-1 deficit to win their first championship in 40 years.

He would finish second in Sixth Man of the Year voting during Golden State’s historic 73-9 record the following season, and continued to be an integral part of the team across the 2017 and 2018 championship campaigns.

Iguodala was traded by the Warriors in the 2019 offseason for salary reasons, but extended his streak of NBA Finals appearances to six after joining the Heat. Following another season in Miami, Iguodala re-joined Golden State via free agency in a heart-warming, culture-building reunion. Although he was severely limited by injury over the past two seasons, his leadership and experience proved invaluable as the Warriors added another title in 2022.

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While Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson may present as the faces of the dynasty run, Iguodala deserves recognition alongside those names as a franchise great. It won’t be too long before the number 9 jersey is hanging in the rafters, and Iguodala gets a proper fan-fueled send-off after injury denied him that chance.

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