The Golden State Warriors announced Tuesday afternoon that they will be retiring Andre Iguodala’s No. 9 jersey ahead of their Feb. 23 contest against the Dallas Mavericks.
Iguodala was a four-time NBA champion, with each title coming as a member of the Warriors (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). He was named Finals MVP in 2015 after the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. He also helped the Warriors reach the Finals on two other occasions (2016, 2019). Iguodala retired on Oct. 20, 2023 prior to his age-40 season.
‘Andre will go down as one of the smartest, shrewdest and most unique and successful players ever to wear a Warriors uniform,’ Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob said in a statement. ‘Four titles, six Finals appearances, a Finals MVP – exceeded even our wildest imaginations.’
Here’s what to know about his jersey retirement ceremony.
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Iguodala’s career
Although Iguodala’s best years were arguably with the Warriors, he did play eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before heading west. He was named an All-Star once (2012) during that stretch and received Defensive Player of the Year votes six times with Philly.
After joining the Warriors, Iguodala was relegated to the bench, but still played a very pivotal role in their dynasty. He earned 6th Man of the Year consideration four times with Golden State, including two second-place finishes (2016, 2017). He also finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting during his first season with the team (2014).
Iguodala’s incredible defensive talent came in very handy when the Warriors faced LeBron James in the 2015 NBA Finals. Iguodala did not put up gaudy offensive numbers, but his ability to limit James’ impact earned him Finals MVP.
Why are the Warriors waiting until Feb. 23?
The team is waiting until Feb. 23 because it will be playing the Mavericks that night. Beloved shooting guard Klay Thompson, who was a key member to the Warriors dynasty, having played for the club between 2011 and 2024, joined the Mavericks during the 2024 offseason.
Thompson’s presence at Iguodala’s jersey retirement ceremony will be a huge plus as Iguodala has made it known how important Thompson was to his career.
During an interview in October 2023 following his retirement, Iguodala said, ‘obviously Steph [Curry], Klay [Thompson], and Draymond [Green], just being so unique in who they are, it’s just a powerful formula. It would be really hard to duplicate.’ He continued, ‘Without those guys, I wouldn’t be in this position.’
Curry and Green are still members of the Warriors.
What other Warriors have had their numbers retired?
Only six Warriors have had their numbers retired:
- No. 13: Wilt Chamberlain
- No. 14: Tom Meschery
- No. 16: Alvin Attles
- No. 17: Chris Mullin
- No. 24: Rick Barry
- No. 42: Nate Thurmond
