Even after retiring on Friday, longtime Warriors forward and 19-year veteran Andre Iguodala remains confident in his former team.
Starring Iguodala ESPN’s “First Take” On Friday, I sat down with Stephen A. Smith and Kristin Williamson to discuss why they believe Golden State can win the NBA championship this season.
“When you have Stephen Curry on your team, you always have a chance,” Iguodala told Smith and Williamson. “You can never rule him out. It’s him or LeBron. [James]. You can’t count them until it’s over. ”
Iguodala is probably best known for the former NBA All-Star, who won four titles with Curry and the Warriors over eight seasons in the Bay and played against James in 26 NBA Finals games during his career.
Iguodala also won NBA Finals MVP in 2015 against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers while with the Warriors, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in the six-game series before stepping into the ring.
In addition to believing in Curry, arguably the best shooter in NBA history, Iguodala believes the Warriors’ experienced supporting cast can help bring another championship to Chase Center.
“I think [Chris Paul] will be on that team,” Iguodala told Smith and Williamson. “Steve Kerr already talked about it in terms of the leadership he brings to the team. Historically, turnovers have been a problem for the Warriors. CP is one of the guys who can solve them.
“I’m very excited [Paul] And what he can get out of Jonathan Kuminga. Jonathan Kuminga probably had one of the best preseasons in the entire NBA. [Andrew] Wiggins is Wiggins.clay [Thompson] I am entering my contract year. There’s always something happening with the Warriors. ”
Wiggins missed most of last season for personal reasons, so the Warriors would benefit from having him back for a full season. Paul, Thompson and Kuminga are all highly motivated by their first rings, contract extensions and prominent roles in the rotation.
Clearly, Iguodala has plenty of reason to be excited about building Golden State’s roster.
Although he’s no longer a Warrior, Iguodala has high hopes for his former teammate. His personality, charisma and leadership will be missed in the locker room, but his support for Golden State is unwavering.
As long as Curry is around, Iguodala will always have faith in the Warriors.
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