The Visionary’s Arrival
Andre Iguodala’s legacy with the Golden State Warriors didn’t begin with his 2015 NBA Finals MVP award, nor with any of the four championships he would go on to win with the team. Instead, it started on July 5, 2013, when Iguodala and the Warriors agreed to a four-year contract, just two months after the Nuggets were unexpectedly eliminated by a young, scrappy Warriors squad in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs. This pivotal moment was underscored by a gesture that should be etched in NBA lore: Iguodala’s immediate embrace of Stephen Curry after the game. Despite the loss, Iguodala saw something special in the Warriors—a vision that would soon turn into reality.
A Bond Forged in World Championships
Iguodala and Curry’s relationship dates back to 2010 when they were teammates on Team USA for the FIBA World Championship. Even though Curry was averaging only 10.6 minutes and 4.6 points per game, the experience was formative. For Curry, who had just finished a rookie season with 26 wins, Iguodala provided a blueprint for what it meant to be a successful NBA player. He saw firsthand what it took to win, build a culture, set a standard, and lead. This early exposure to Iguodala’s approach was instrumental in shaping Curry’s own path to greatness.
A New Side of Curry
During that 2013 first-round playoff series, Iguodala witnessed a new side of Curry, one that was about to captivate the world. After a timeout in Game 6, Iguodala recalled his teammate Jordan Hamilton’s amazed reaction to Curry’s no-look 3-pointer. “Steph took a shot at the bench and that was the first time he looked away,” Iguodala remembered. “The ball was still in midair, and he told the bench to shut up.” This moment, though minor in the grand scheme of things, was a harbinger of Curry’s unique talents and the confidence he would bring to the Warriors.
Recognizing the Future
When Steve Kerr, who was not yet the Warriors’ head coach, watched the 2013 playoffs, he knew the Warriors had landed a special player in Iguodala. “That was a coup,” Kerr said, emphasizing the significance of the signing. The Warriors, still navigating their journey to greatness, were not known for attracting high-profile free agents. Iguodala’s decision to join the team at a crucial juncture was a defining moment that boosted the franchise’s morale.
The First Brick of a Dynasty
At the jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday, with former general manager Bob Myers, Kerr, and Curry all offering heartfelt speeches, Curry’s words resonated deeply. “You were the first one to choose us, and that meant the world to a team that was trying to figure it out,” Curry said. Iguodala’s arrival at 29, in his prime and fresh from his only NBA All-Star Game, was the first brick laid in the foundation of the Warriors’ dynasty. His belief in the team’s potential and his willingness to join an up-and-coming squad were indispensable.
A Visionary’s Impact
Andre Iguodala wasn’t just a player; he was a visionary. His foresight was not about what the Warriors were in 2013 but what they would become. Without Iguodala, the Warriors’ ascension to a dynasty might have remained a mere dream. His belief in the team’s capabilities was a catalyst, providing the confidence and leadership needed to build a championship-winning culture. The Warriors’ journey from underdogs to titans was paved by Iguodala’s vision and his unwavering commitment.
