Even after retiring on Friday, longtime Warriors forward and 19-year veteran Andre Iguodala remains extremely confident about his former team.
Iguodala appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and Christine Williamson on Friday to discuss why he believes Golden State can win an NBA championship this season.
“When you have Steph Curry on your team, you always have a chance,” Iguodala said of Smith and Williamson. “You can never ignore him. Either him or LeBron [James]. You can’t count them out until it’s over.”
Iguodala would know best, as the former NBA All-Star won four titles with Curry and the Warriors in eight seasons in the Bay and appeared against James in 26 NBA Finals games over the course of his career.
Iguodala also won the NBA Finals MVP with the Warriors in 2015 over James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists during the six-game series en route to the ring.
In addition to believing in Curry, arguably the best shooter in NBA history, Iguodala believes the Warriors’ experienced supporting cast will help them bring another championship banner to Chase Center.
“I find [Chris Paul] will be an asset to this team,” Iguodala shared with Smith and Williamson. “Steve Kerr has already spoken about the leadership he has brought to the team. Turnovers have been a problem for the Warriors in the past. CP is one of those who can calm her down.
“I’m super excited [Paul] and what he can get out of Jonathan Kuminga. Jonathan Kuminga probably had one of the better preseasons in the entire NBA. [Andrew] Wiggins is Wiggins. Klay [Thompson] is entering a contract year. There was always something brewing with the Warriors.”
Wiggins missed much of last season for personal reasons, so the Warriors will benefit from having him back for the full season. As for Paul, Thompson and Kuminga, there is great motivation for a first ring, a contract extension and a prominent role in the rotation, respectively.
Obviously, Iguodala has every reason to be excited about Golden State’s roster construction.
Although he is no longer a Warrior, Iguodala has high expectations for his former teammates. While his personality, charisma and leadership skills will be missed in the locker room, his support for Golden State remains unwavering.
Iguodala will always believe in the Warriors as long as Curry is there.
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