Golden State Warriors have retired former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala’s jersey. Iguodala was honored by the Warriors as the franchise raised his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at the Chase Center.
Iguodala became the seventh player from the Warriors to receive the honor, joining the elite club of Wilt Chamberlain (No. 13), Chris Mullin (No. 17), Nate Thurmond (No. 42), Alvin Attles (No. 16), Rick Barry (No. 24) and Tom Meschery (No. 14).
Iguodala gave his gratitude to the fans, his teammates and the team management for their support throughout his career.
“None of this would have happened without all of you, the fans,” he said.
“We haven’t really had time to reflect, Steph, you made the world turn. That is not something you say lightly. You truly changed the game of basketball. It was beautiful. … I understood my role. I understood the genius of Draymond [Green], the genius of Klay, the genius of Kevin Durant. … Shaun Livingston and I … we had this unique team that understood, had this precious ultra-talented assassin. Steph, none of this happens without you.”
The forward was roped by the Warriors in 2013 and he played a key role in the team’s success. Stephen Curry said Iguodala’s big shoes haven’t been filled by any player.
“Since you left that locker room, it has been hard to fill that void,” Curry said. “But you also left me with the title of oldest Warrior. … When we see that jersey up in the rafters, deservedly so, it just sinks in that we are old.”
Iguodala averaged 6.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 26.0 minutes over eight seasons (2013-19, 2021-23).
“I think we all can feel it but this isn’t just about a number going into the rafters,” Curry said. “This is about a player who changed the course of our entire franchise. … You were the first one to choose us, and that meant the world. For a team that knew we were good but didn’t know how to get to that next level, you unlocked so much confidence, so much IQ, so much maturity to what we did.
“You sacrificed ego for excellence, which for us is the Warriors way.”
The Warriors will next face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.
