SAN FRANCISCO — When Andre Iguodala joined the Golden State Warriors in 2013, his future with the team was uncertain, and the establishment of a legendary dynasty was far from guaranteed. At that time, Stephen Curry had yet to earn All-Star status, while Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were still at the beginning stages of their careers.
Iguodala’s contributions and ability to adapt over the years proved pivotal in securing four championships for the Warriors, including being named the NBA Finals MVP in 2015, during a momentous season that culminated in the franchise’s first title in 40 years.
On Sunday, Iguodala was honored with a jersey retirement ceremony, as the Warriors unveiled his number in the rafters at Chase Center. “It’s been a wild journey, but it’s been a beautiful blessing,” said Iguodala during his heartfelt speech at the event.
His number became the seventh to be retired by the franchise, where he joins illustrious names such as Rick Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Nate Thurmond (42), Al Attles (16), Chris Mullin (17), and Tom Meschery (14).
Before arriving in Golden State, Iguodala had already built a respectable career, known for his defensive prowess and consistent starting position over the course of nine seasons. Upon his arrival, he embraced the role of a mentor, recognizing the extraordinary talent around him. “You sacrificed ego for excellence,” Curry remarked during the retirement ceremony.
Curry acknowledged Iguodala’s role in fostering confidence, intelligence, and maturity within a developing team, noting how he transitioned from being a leading figure with the Philadelphia 76ers to a vital connection that made the Warriors’ success possible. “He wanted to join what was happening, because he saw how special it was,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated before the team’s 126-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. “That was a coup. The Warriors weren’t exactly landing many free agents then.”
At 30 years old during his first season with the Warriors, Iguodala had never come off the bench in his previous 10 seasons. However, when Kerr took over the following year, Iguodala willingly accepted a bench role. He described this as a “great, unique situation” and credited his teammates for easing the transition. “It’s rare in professional sports to see a guy that’s still in his prime willingly step aside for younger talent,” Iguodala noted.
This selflessness paid off as the Warriors embarked on a championship journey in 2015, with Iguodala achieving Finals MVP honors — a remarkable feat for a player who did not start every game during the series. It was Kerr’s faith in Iguodala, moving him into the starting lineup down 2-1 against the Cavaliers, that helped establish his legacy, assigning him the monumental task of guarding LeBron James.
Iguodala averaged 16.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 5.8 rebounds during the Finals, leading the Warriors to victory over the Cavaliers in six games. “That was the ultimate validation of everything I’ve always believed in the game, and I do think other people recognize that,” Kerr emphasized, reflecting on Iguodala’s sacrifices and achievements.
Selected ninth overall in the 2004 NBA draft out of Arizona, Iguodala appeared in 1,231 games throughout his career, which included stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver, Miami, and ultimately the Warriors. He was a key member of the championship teams in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Iguodala remarked that the Warriors’ core had a relentless desire to win, particularly following their initial championship triumph. “When we won the first one, it was almost like we had to do it again to prove that it wasn’t a fluke,” he reflected. “And then, once you win the second one, you’re like, ‘Alright, we’ve got to do it again because nobody can touch us.’”
“This drive is a unique characteristic among great athletes — that relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s ingrained in the organization’s culture and fabric,” Iguodala concluded.
