Andre Iguodala, a forward for the Golden State Warriors, announced his retirement from basketball on Friday, capping a nearly two-decade NBA career that featured four championship rings.
Iguodala, 39, made his retirement announcement in an interview with the ESPN-owned Andscape website. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision.
Iguodala was heard stating, “It’s just the right time,” according to Andscape. “My time was running out, and I didn’t want to load the rear seat with anything.
“I wanted to stop trying to assign time anymore. Particularly while on the court and spending time with family. A lot.
“You want to do well. Family is a lot, however. My son is sixteen, followed by two daughters. I am eager to see their development throughout those crucial years.
In 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, Iguodala was a part of four NBA Finals-winning Warriors squads.
Following Iguodala’s announcement of his retirement, the Warriors toasted him and club owner Joe Lacob said the organization will retire Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey.
Iguodala was praised by Warriors coach Steve Kerr as “an absolute winner.”
Congratulations to Andre on finishing a remarkable career worthy of the Hall of Fame, said Kerr in a statement.
He was one of the most distinctive players I’ve ever seen, combining superb instincts on both ends with prodigious athleticism and intelligence.
“This is just a clear winner. I was fortunate to be his coach.
Iguodala is most remembered for his series-altering performance in game four of the 2015 NBA Finals, when the Warriors were down 2-1 to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. At that point, Iguodala was inserted into the starting lineup.
In a 103-82 win that tied the series, he scored 22 points.
Iguodala was voted NBA Finals Most Valuable Player as the Warriors went on to win the series 4-2. This was the first time a player had earned the award without appearing in every game of the championships.
Iguodala’s NBA career started in 2004 when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the ninth overall choice in the draft.
He departed the Sixers in 2012 to play for one season in Denver before transferring to Golden State the following year, where he spent the next six years.
He spent one season with Miami in 2020 before going back to Golden State in 2021, where he won his fourth NBA title in 2022.
Iguodala, who played in 1,231 games and averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, also took home a gold medal for the USA in the 2012 London Olympics.
