Andre Iguodala’s name is now immortalized in Golden State Warriors history. The franchise honored one of its most selfless stars, raising his No. 9 jersey to the rafters at Chase Center. The moment capped a career defined by sacrifice, leadership, and four NBA championships.
Iguodala arrived in Golden State in 2013 with no guarantees of success. At the time, Stephen Curry had yet to make an All-Star team, while Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were still finding their footing. A decade later, his unselfishness and defensive brilliance cemented him as a key figure in one of basketball’s greatest dynasties.
“It’s been a wild journey, but it’s been a beautiful blessing,” Iguodala reflected during the ceremony. His impact was undeniable, culminating in an NBA Finals MVP award in 2015 when he helped deliver the Warriors’ first title in 40 years.
Iguodala became the seventh player in franchise history to have his jersey retired, joining legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Chris Mullin. Curry paid tribute to his former teammate, saying, “You sacrificed ego for excellence.”
Before joining the Warriors, Iguodala was an established two-way force with the Philadelphia 76ers. In Golden State, he embraced a reduced role for the greater good. When Steve Kerr took over as head coach, Iguodala willingly moved to the bench—a rare sacrifice for a player still in his prime.
That decision paid off in 2015 when Kerr inserted Iguodala into the starting lineup in the NBA Finals. Tasked with guarding LeBron James, he averaged 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, leading the Warriors past the Cavaliers in six games.
Iguodala’s hunger for success fueled the dynasty. “When we won the first one, it was almost like we had to do it again to prove it wasn’t a fluke,” he said. That drive carried the Warriors to three more titles in 2017, 2018, and 2022.
From an All-Star in Philadelphia to the ultimate glue guy in Golden State, Iguodala’s legacy is one of adaptability, sacrifice, and championship pedigree. Now, his No. 9 hangs high as a testament to a player who made it all work.
