13 Players the Golden State Warriors signed past their prime
By Tyler Watts
The Golden State Warriors have won four championships with their current core as Stephen Curry became a legend. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green transformed into Hall of Famers, Steve Kerr earned all-time great coaching status, and Bob Myers was anointed as one of the league’s best executives. The Dubs are a dynasty, but that has not stopped them from making regrettable moves.
From bad free-agent signings to botched draft picks, the mistakes predate the dynasty. They are entering their 78th season and have a 48.5 all-time winning percentage. There have been plenty of forgettable years and a plethora of moves the Warriors wish they could have back.
Golden State has signed some players whose best basketball was behind them, and it has not always been a bad thing. Veterans are key to contending teams, and the Dubs have found multiple-difference makers, but there have been some disasters too.
Players Golden State Warriors signed past their primes
13. Andre Iguodala
This is the most debatable inclusion as Iggy was still outstanding when he joined the Dubs in a 2013 sign-and-trade. He was the Nuggets’ best player in 2013 and an All-Star in Philadelphia in 2012. Iguodala took less money because he wanted to win. The 6’6 wing believed Golden State gave him the best chance, and they won three of the next five championships.
Iggy’s numbers dropped off across the board when he arrived in Golden State. He played 2.5 fewer minutes per game and averaged 3.7 points and 1.2 assists less than in Denver. How much of that was Iggy sacrificing on the Warriors versus exiting his prime? It is impossible to say with certainty, but his production dipped.
Andre Iguodala was a key piece of four championship teams in Golden State, and the Warriors even brought him back as an end-of-the-bench option the last two years to provide leadership and improve chemistry. Iggy has been fantastic in the Bay Area, but he arrived just after his best playing days.