Former Warriors Veteran Andre Iguodala Confident in Team’s Championship Potential
Even after retiring on Friday, longtime Warriors forward and 19-year veteran Andre Iguodala remains highly confident in his former team. Iguodala appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” and discussed why he believes Golden State can win an NBA championship this season.
Iguodala, who won four titles with the Warriors over eight seasons, knows firsthand the talent and capabilities of his former teammate, Stephen Curry. “When you have Steph Curry on your team, you always have a chance,” Iguodala said. “You can never count him out. It’s him or LeBron [James]. You can’t count them out until it’s over.”
Throughout his career, Iguodala competed against James in 26 NBA Finals games, further solidifying his respect for both players’ abilities.
In 2015, Iguodala won NBA Finals MVP with the Warriors against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists during the six-game series, playing a crucial role in securing the championship.
Apart from Curry’s talents, Iguodala also believes in the Warriors’ experienced supporting cast. He expressed excitement about the addition of Chris Paul to the team, noting the leadership he brings and his ability to settle the team down during turnovers, which have historically posed a challenge for the Warriors.
Iguodala also emphasized the potential of Jonathan Kuminga, who had an impressive preseason, as well as the motivation of Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson. Wiggins missed a significant portion of last season due to personal reasons, and his return will undoubtedly benefit the Warriors. Thompson is entering a contract year, while Kuminga is seeking a prominent role in the rotation.
Overall, Iguodala has good reason to be excited about Golden State’s roster construction. While his retirement leaves a void in the locker room in terms of his personality, charisma, and leadership, his support for the Warriors remains unwavering.
As long as Curry is on the team, Iguodala will always believe in the Warriors’ championship potential.