Golden State Warriors: Veteran forward still undecided on playing future

Veteran forward Andre Iguodala remains undecided on his playing future, seemingly leaving the door ajar for a return to the Golden State Warriors and a 20th NBA season.

After pondering retirement last offseason, Iguodala signed on in September for what most assumed would be his final year. With injury issues limiting him to just seven games, including a season-ending wrist surgery, retirement seemed like a mere formality.

Golden State Warriors’ legend Andre Iguodala says he still hasn’t made a decision about his playing future.

Making an appearance on the Gil’s Arena Show with Gilbert Arenas, Iguodala was asked directly about his playing future. In response, the 39-year-old claimed “I’ve been busy” and that “when I get an opportunity to actually think about it, I’ll have a decision”.

When asked if he had been staying in shape for a potential return, Iguodala shared that “my son, he taller than me right now. I gotta’ remind him that I still got it”.

Most expect that Iguodala will ultimately announce his retirement, including new Golden State General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area earlier this month, Dunleavy said, “my sense is Andre’s probably got some other stuff going”. 

The Warriors currently have two remaining roster spots for next season. Iguodala hasn’t been a major consideration to this point, but things could shift given presumed retirement is no longer a fait accompli.

Iguodala could still provide invaluable experience and education to the Warrior young players, namely Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Whether he could do that in a non-playing capacity is a wait-and-see.

A four-time NBA champion over eight seasons with Golden State, Iguodala is expected to have his jersey retired by the franchise when the time is right.