Andre Iguodala formally announced his retirement from the NBA this past Friday. He played for the Warriors for an outstanding eight years prior to his final season. He was a major part of the team’s success during his tenure, which included four championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Interestingly, in 2015, he was named the Finals MVP.
Iguodala put up impressive numbers in the 2015 Finals, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. It was crucial that he play the role of the starting defender against LeBron James, the Cavaliers’ star forward at the time.
Andre Iguodala started the series in place of the injured Warriors, trailing 2-1 going into Game 4. The team’s victory and eventual series victory were largely due to his contributions on the offensive and defensive ends. Iguodala’s presence also played a major role in the Warriors’ successful adoption of a small-ball lineup, which turned into an essential tactic during their championship-winning campaigns.
Iguodala said of his career, “My journey has been remarkable, an incredible experience.” He considered himself fortunate to have played in some truly amazing cities, for outstanding organizations, and with great teammates.
Andre Iguodala’s 19-year NBA career comes to an end
The forward has an amazing career that includes seven NBA Finals appearances at the end of his 19-year NBA career, six of which were with the Warriors. In addition to being selected to two All-Defensive teams in 2011 and 2014, he was recognized with one All-Star appearance in 2012.
Notably, Iguodala placed second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting during the Warriors’ historic 73-win campaign in 2015–16.
Co-Executive Chairman & CEO Joe Lacob said that Andre Iguodala will always be remembered for his significant contributions both on and off the court. He was instrumental in the Warriors’ four NBA titles. Iguodala’s unselfish attitude upon joining the Golden State team created the groundwork for their many victories, and his defensive prowess left a lasting impression.
The idea of retiring his jersey, number nine, and hanging it in the Chase Centre rafters as a way to honor him excites the organization.
Steve Kerr, the head coach, was all praise for Andre Iguodala’s remarkable basketball abilities and in-depth knowledge of the game. Kerr commended Iguodala for a remarkable career that should be honored with a Hall of Fame induction. Kerr claims that Iguodala is among the best players he has ever had the honor of coaching.
He stands out for his special combination of exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and defensive and offensive instincts. Iguodala is a born winner, Kerr continued, and he feels privileged to have been his coach.
More about Andre Iguodala
American basketball player Andre Iguodala, who is now retired, had a distinguished career. In 2012, he was selected for the NBA All-Star team and twice made the NBA All-Defensive team.
Notably, he was a major contributor to the Golden State Warriors’ four NBA titles and won the MVP award for the NBA Finals in 2015. He also competed for the United States national team, winning gold medals in both the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Iguodala’s basketball career started with the Arizona Wildcats in college. In 2004, during his sophomore year in the Pac-10 (now the Pac-12), he was recognized as a first-team all-conference player due to his exceptional performance. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draught.
As part of a four-team trade, Iguodala left the 76ers in the summer of 2012 and joined the Denver Nuggets. In 2013, he moved on to the Golden State Warriors.
He played a crucial role even though he moved into a reserve role for the first time in his career during the 2014–15 campaign. He made his way back into the starting lineup during the middle of the championship series, and he went on to win Finals MVP.
