Four-Time NBA Champion Andre Iguodala Announces Retirement after 19 Seasons
After nearly two decades in the league, Andre Iguodala, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, has officially announced his retirement. The news came on Friday morning when the 2015 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player shared his decision with Andscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Iguodala played a total of 1,231 games, averaging 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. The 39-year-old veteran turned down offers from several teams, including the Warriors, before ultimately deciding that it was the right time to retire.
In his phone interview with Andscape, Iguodala cited limited time as one of the main factors behind his retirement. With a son who is 16 years old and two daughters, he wanted to prioritize spending time with his family during their important years of growth.
The former University of Arizona star was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. During his career, he made one NBA All-Star appearance with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012 and had his best season in 2007-08, averaging a career-high 19.9 points with the franchise.
Iguodala was known for his defensive prowess, earning three selections to the All-NBA defensive team, including two first-team honors. He also represented Team USA, winning a gold medal in the 2012 London Games and becoming a world champion in 2010.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green, who played with Iguodala on the Sixers and coached him with the Warriors, expressed his admiration for the retiring player. Green commended Iguodala for his maturity, both on and off the court, and acknowledged his impact as a mentor to younger players.
Iguodala played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat. However, his most significant contributions came during his time with the Warriors. In 2013, he joined the franchise on a four-year, $48 million contract and went on to win NBA championships with the team in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
The highlight of Iguodala’s career occurred during the 2015 NBA Finals when he was named the Finals MVP for his exceptional defense against Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James. He limited James to a shooting percentage of 38.1% while guarding him, compared to 44% when defended by others.
Aside from his on-court achievements, Iguodala served as a member of the National Basketball Players Association executive committee from 2015 to 2023. He played a crucial role in assisting former NBPA president Chris Paul in navigating the challenges of the NBA bubble during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
As Iguodala bids farewell to his basketball career, the Warriors’ owner, Joe Lacob, has previously expressed his intentions to retire Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey. This gesture signifies the immense impact that Iguodala has made on the organization.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Iguodala expressed gratitude for the success he achieved alongside his teammates in Golden State. He acknowledged the rarity of winning four championships and credited their belief in one another and their commitment to playing the game the right way.
As he enters this new chapter in his life, Andre Iguodala leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the most versatile players and respected leaders in NBA history.