A Critical Addition: Andre’s Return to the Warriors

After two seasons with the Miami Heat, veteran Andre Iguodala, three-time NBA champion and former NBA finals MVP, has returned to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year minimum contract. Iguodala’s experience with the Warriors has been extensive. He spent six seasons (2013-2019) on the Warriors and will be entering his 18th season in the NBA. At 37, Iguodala told the New York Times that he intends to play two more seasons maximum.  

The positive attributes that Andre will bring to the table are unparalleled. Additionally, since many of the Warrior’s players are young, Iguodala’s leadership, trust, and experience will undoubtedly improve the team’s culture. 

He averaged 32.0 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds and shot 42.1% from 3-point range in 2020-21 with a career average of 11.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Even at 6’6” and 210 pounds, Iguodala has the skills of a point guard. In 2013, Iguodala’s effective field goal percent was 42.8 percent. To put that into perspective, LeBron’s eFG on jump shots is 52.6 percent, and Kobe Bryant’s is 43.6 percent. Additionally, Iguodala’s basketball IQ on the court is unmatched, with Warriors coach Steve Kerr consistently stating that Iguodala is one of the most intelligent players he has ever coached. On top of Andre’s superior vision on the court, he is swift, decisive and attacks the rim with explosiveness. According to 82 Games, his effective field goal percentage inside the paint was 70 percent. 

Overall, Andre Iguodala’s return to the Bay Area as a Golden State Warrior seems to be an excellent fit for him and his team: he will likely thrive once again in this familiar environment.