After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Andre Iguodala, the four-time NBA champion from the Golden State Warriors, has announced his retirement from professional basketball. Speaking with Andscape, the four-time NBA champion confirmed that his playing career has come to a close.
“It’s just the right time,” Iguodala said. “Time started to get limited for me and I didn’t want to put anything in the back seat.“
“You want to play at a high level. But then family is a lot. My son is 16 and then two girls. So, [I’m] looking forward to seeing them grow up in those important years.”
Iguodala boasts an impressive 19-season NBA career, where he prominently featured with the Golden State Warriors (eight seasons) and the Philadelphia 76ers (eight seasons). He also spent stints with the Miami Heat (2019-21) and the Denver Nuggets (2012-13). Over his remarkable journey, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
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He earned an All-Star selection in 2012 and received All-Defensive honors in 2010-11 and 2013-14, recognizing his basketball prowess. However, his pinnacle moment came during the 2015 NBA Finals when he was named the Finals MVP. His relentless defense against LeBron James played a pivotal role in the Golden State Warriors securing their first championship in 40 years, triumphing over Cleveland 4-2.
In a sentimental return, Iguodala donned the Golden State Warriors jersey again last season. Although he had a more limited role, participating in just eight games with some of the lowest regular-season statistics of his career (2.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.4 apg) and no playoff appearances in 2023, his wisdom as a veteran leader was invaluable to Golden State. Following his retirement, Iguodala plans to remain in the Bay Area, focusing on various off-the-court business ventures.
The Warriors’ owner, Joe Lacob, has expressed his anticipation of a future moment when they will raise Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey to the rafters at the Chase Center.
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More about Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart, Christina Gutierrez, marking the start of a new chapter in his life. Their love story has since blossomed with the addition of a daughter and a son.
Iguodala’s compassion extends to his charitable initiatives. He established the Andre Iguodala Disaster Relief Fund. This fund made a meaningful impact by raising vital funds to aid tornado victims in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois. He then established the Andre Iguodala Youth Foundation with a mission to mentor and aid youth through sports. This foundation actively organizes a series of basketball camps and hosts an annual event known as “Thanksgiving with Dre,” during which it distributes essential food baskets to families in need.