In what will likely be his final season in the NBA, veteran swingman Andre Iguodala is giving it one last run with the Warriors before calling it quits. Just months removed from winning the title, Iggy has the chance to retire as a back-to-back champion.
But no matter what happens, Iguodala knows how this season will play out, and he knows what role to play at this stage of his career. Unlike a lot of other players at his age, he knows that it’s time to pass the mantle.
Andre Iguodala Gets Real On His Role For The Warriors This Upcoming Season
In a special episode of his “Point Forward” podcast with Evan Turner, Iggy revealed his plans to play out the 2022-23 campaign and what message he’ll be sending to the young guys as someone who isn’t expected to earn a whole lot of minutes.
“I’m gonna blame a few people,” Iguodala said on his decision. “Steph Curry is one person I’m gonna blame. As a group I’m blaming Draymond [Green], Steph and Klay [Thompson], [Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr a little bit and [Warriors GM] Bob Myers. They just really showed me a lot of love. They really helped me see my presence outside of physically playing basketball, but also Steve was a big culprit in terms of ‘listen we really need you on the court.’ Draymond was big on that as well, we were texting. I came back last year to make sure we got this s— right, like ‘we not gonna waste Steph’s years.’ We won the chip and I was like, ‘alright.’ And he was like, ‘nope I need you back for another one.’ I’m letting you know right now, Steph, this is the last one.”
“I don’t know how to be one foot in, one foot out,” Iguodala said. “In terms of competing I’m gonna be naturally myself in terms of I’m gonna be there early, I’m gonna get my reps. I’m looking forward to playing, but also I’m on [Jonathan] Kuminga, I’m on Moses Moody, I’m on the young fellas and I’m letting them know, ‘listen, if I’m getting on this court you ain’t doing something right. There’s no way you should let me get on the court.'”
Iguodala’s value doesn’t really come from his play — not anymore. Today, he is more of a leader and motivator for the Warriors than anything else, and his role is one of a mentor, not a scorer.
But it’s Andre’s acceptance of this role that has made his twilight years graceful. Unlike many in his field, Andre didn’t let his own pride and ego get in the way of helping his team win games.
Hopefully, in his final run, he can finish out strong and remind the world what makes him so special in the first place.
