Curry Embraces Legacy as Warriors Honor Iguodala with Jersey Retirement

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors are set to honor a key figure in their championship history as they announce the retirement of Andre Iguodala‘s jersey, a moment celebrated by his teammates, including Stephen Curry. The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 23 during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

In an exclusive interview, Curry expressed the significance of Iguodala’s contributions to the franchise. “It’s going to be fantastic for the entire organization to welcome my brother back,” Curry said. “He helped us win a lot of championships.”

Iguodala, who wore number 9 for the Warriors, joined the team in 2013 and quickly became a vital contributor to their success, including their first title in 40 years during the 2014-15 season. His defensive prowess and leadership played a crucial role in the team’s four championship victories.

“His IQ, his impact on the game… We obviously don’t win those without him,” Curry added, acknowledging that Iguodala’s jersey retirement is just the beginning of what he hopes will be many more tributes to the team’s dynasty.

Throughout his career with Golden State, Iguodala often operated in the shadows of stars like Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, his influence was felt deeply in the locker room and on the court. He notably accepted a bench role in the 2014-15 season before being reinserted into the starting lineup during the NBA Finals, eventually earning the Finals MVP award for his pivotal contributions.

Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr reflected on the importance of Iguodala’s tenure with the team, stating, “I can’t think of anybody who could handle a situation like this with the dignity and grace that Steph has.”

After leaving the Warriors in 2019, Iguodala had brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat but returned to Golden State for the 2021-22 season, aiding in mentoring younger players and helping the franchise reclaim its championship form.

As the Warriors prepare for Iguodala’s jersey retirement, Curry looks forward to celebrating the legacy of the franchise and the players who have shaped it. “It’s the first of many retirements,” he said, hinting at the possibility of seeing his #30 jersey, along with those of Thompson and Green, join Iguodala’s number in the rafters in the future.

The jersey retirement has added extra significance as it coincides with the Warriors’ efforts to reignite their competitive spirit, particularly with the recent acquisition of star player Jimmy Butler. With this new addition and a re-energized roster, Curry advocates for aiming high, pushing to compete for another title.

<p“I’ve seen different scenarios,” Curry described, reflecting on how players like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki navigated their careers. “You don’t want to be in a situation that feels like it’s just about the end. I hope to see us play meaningful games.”

As the All-Star Weekend approaches, Curry aims to make the most of the moment, balancing reflection on past achievements with excitement for the future. “I don’t want it to feel like a live-funeral type thing… we’ve still got some work to do,” he said, emphasizing the determination within the team.