Butler missed Game 2 against Houston after suffering a back injury during a hard fall. Although he was technically available for Game 3, the Warriors‘ medical staff opted to rest him to prioritize his long-term availability as the team chases a Finals berth.

Despite being sidelined, Butler made his presence felt during Saturday’s win. His energy on the bench and constant communication with teammates played a crucial role in securing the victory. After the game, Kerr praised Butler’s leadership, likening him to former Warriors star Andre Iguodala.

“He had a fantastic coat on. He’s so smart,” Kerr said. “He reminds me so much of Andre Iguodala—an incredible basketball IQ and the ability to communicate what he’s seeing to his teammates from the bench.”

Kerr praises Stephen Curry

With Butler sidelined and offering support from the bench, it was Stephen Curry who took center stage for the Golden State Warriors in Game 3. Curry delivered a vintage performance, leading the team to a pivotal win over the Houston Rockets. Ahead of Game 4, head coach Steve Kerr had high praise for his superstar guard.

“He’s Steph Curry, one of the greatest players of all time,” Kerr said. “He’s 37, and he’s one of the most conditioned athletes I’ve ever seen. To play 41 minutes with that kind of offensive load, to overcome a slow start and find his rhythm again — it’s just incredible.”

Curry’s impact on Saturday night was undeniable, powering the Warriors to a much-needed Game 3 victory. His elite shooting and leadership have the fan base excited for what’s to come, as Golden State leans on his brilliance to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Warriors teammates react to Curry’s dominant performance

Among those who praised Curry after the win was newcomer Buddy Hield, who expressed admiration for the two-time MVP. “He seizes these types of moments. I’ve been watching him my whole life, from college to now. Watching him face a physical team like that — he embraces it. He thrives on it,” Hield said.

Veteran Draymond Green also emphasized Curry’s leadership. “We all followed Steph tonight,” Green said. “With that type of tenacity, you’re not going to be the guy to let him down when he’s playing like that. Nobody wants to be that guy.”

Former Warriors guard Donte DiVincenzo recently reflected on Iguodala’s impact, sharing insights into the veteran’s work ethic and mentorship during their time together in the 2022-23 season—DiVincenzo’s lone season with the franchise and Iguodala’s final year in the NBA.

Speaking on The Old Man and the Three podcast, DiVincenzo praised Iguodala’s approach to the game, highlighting the veteran’s unwavering dedication even as his role diminished.

“Not everything is going to be smooth sailing throughout your career… To go to Golden State and just learn that approach every day, watching Steph [Curry],” DiVincenzo said. “People forget that Andre Iguodala was there. Watching him every day—I always joke with him, like, ‘60 years old, being in the gym first and last to leave all the time.’ He always had a positive mindset. He wasn’t playing much, but when he did play, he was ready.”

Iguodala’s leadership behind the scenes

While Iguodala played a limited role in both the regular season and playoffs, his veteran presence remained invaluable. DiVincenzo noted how Iguodala’s ability to stay mentally and physically prepared despite not seeing consistent minutes was a testament to his professionalism.

“Somebody like him who’s had a hell of a career—you’re not playing, and you could easily say, ‘Alright, I’m not playing for the whole season.’ But then, when you’re thrown in there and still being productive, that’s super hard to do.”

DiVincenzo’s impact with the Warriors

During his lone season in Golden State, DiVincenzo appeared in 72 games, averaging 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals, while shooting 43.5% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. The Warriors’ title defense ended in the second round of the 2023 playoffs, as they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Iguodala’s legacy with Golden State

A four-time NBA champion, Iguodala spent eight seasons with the Warriors across two stints, appearing in 452 regular-season games while averaging 6.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. His impact was even greater in the postseason, where he played 111 playoff games for the franchise and earned NBA Finals MVP honors in 2015 for his stellar performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On February 23, 2024, the Warriors honored Iguodala by retiring his No. 9 jersey, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential players in NBA franchise history.

Curry delivered a heartfelt message to his former teammate, recalling the moment he realized Iguodala saw something special in Golden State. “We talk about our dynasty years, the championships, the Finals MVPs, all the big shots, the big moments—you had them all. The real ones know where it all started,” Curry said.

“I remember Game 6 in 2013—you were on the Denver Nuggets. We were the young, scrappy Warriors trying to cement ourselves in the playoffs. We had the fortune of beating you in that series, but the first thing you did after the horn sounded was run across the court and find me,” Curry continued. “I could feel that you saw something. Fast-forward four months later… you were the first one to choose us. And that meant the world to a team trying to figure it out.”

Curry made it clear that Iguodala’s presence was instrumental in building the Warriors’ championship culture. From his defensive brilliance against LeBron James in the 2015 NBA Finals to his selfless leadership, Iguodala’s contributions helped shape one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.

Steve Kerr’s words on Iguodala’s impact

Kerr, who coached Iguodala through the Warriors’ championship runs, also shared his appreciation, recalling an iconic moment that highlighted Iguodala’s leadership and basketball IQ.

“I remember a game where Steph and Klay hit five straight threes, and you’re over there like, ‘What are we doing?’ You’re hanging your head, so I take a timeout, walk over to you, and say, ‘Drey, are you okay? What’s the matter?’” Kerr said, smiling. “And you go, ‘Steph is crazy!’ I tell you, ‘I know he’s crazy, and Draymond is too—that’s why we need you!’”

Kerr’s anecdote perfectly encapsulated Iguodala’s role as the steadying force on a team filled with explosive talent. His ability to balance the Warriors’ dynamic playstyle with veteran composure was invaluable throughout their title runs.

Andre Iguodala’s legendary journey

Iguodala’s 19-year NBA career was defined by his versatility, leadership, and defensive excellence. Selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2004 NBA Draft, he quickly became a key piece, earning an All-Star selection in 2012. After eight seasons in Philadelphia and a brief stop in Denver, Iguodala joined the Warriors in 2013—where his true legacy would be cemented.

A crucial piece of Golden State’s dynasty, Iguodala won four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) and earned 2015 NBA Finals MVP honors for his outstanding defense on LeBron James. Though he never dominated the box score, his impact was felt in every aspect of the game—defensive stops, high-IQ plays, and clutch performances in the biggest moments.

Following a short stint with the Miami Heat and a final return to Golden State, Iguodala retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most intelligent and selfless players of his generation. His leadership and championship pedigree will forever be remembered in Warriors history.

While playing alongside Curry might make it easy to consider him in the GOAT conversation, given his multiple championships and impact on the modern game, Iguodala was clear in his stance on the best player in NBA history.

The former Finals MVP has competed against some of the league’s greatest, including LeBron James, Curry, and Allen Iverson. However, the player he believes is the greatest of all time is someone he never faced on the court. Speaking on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast in 2024, Iguodala named Michael Jordan as the undisputed NBA GOAT.

“MJ had a 50-inch vert or whatever—his crazy vert was one leg, two legs, crazy big hands for his size. You know he wore size 13-and-a-half, he was naturally thin and skinny, he had to bulk up, but he truly had not one flaw in his game. And when we say game, I’m talking about his skill set and his shooting ability,” Iguodala said.

Iguodala’s take on MJ’s legacy

Iguodala weighed in on the never-ending debate surrounding Jordan’s legacy, emphasizing not just his dominance on the court but also his transformative impact on the game. According to Iguodala, Jordan wasn’t just the best player of his era—he was one of the most influential figures in NBA history.

“What MJ meant to the game and what he did, his makeup—it was like Larry Bird said, ‘God was like, I’m going to take my time with this one, or I’m going to throw him a little bit of me,’” Iguodala said, reflecting on Jordan’s greatness despite never having the opportunity to face him in a game.

With these comments, Warriors star joins a long list of players who recognize Jordan’s enduring legacy and his standing in the GOAT conversation. While the debate includes names like Curry, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, the former Finals MVP sides with the six-time champion, acknowledging Jordan’s unparalleled career.

Breaking down Jordan’s career

As discussions about the greatest player of all time continue, it’s worth revisiting Jordan’s extraordinary résumé. The six-time NBA champion not only revolutionized the sport but also compiled a staggering list of achievements, including two Olympic gold medals and the highest career scoring average in NBA history at 30.1 points per game.

These are some of Jordan’s stats:

• Games: 1,072
• Points: 32,292 (NBA record for career regular season scoring average)
• Rebounds: 6,672
• Assists: 5,633
• Steals: 2,514
• Blocks: 893
• Field Goal Percentage: 49.7%
• 3-Point Percentage: 32.7%
• Free Throw Percentage: 83.5%
• Major Achievements:
  • NBA Championships: 6 (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
  • NBA Finals MVP: 6 (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
  • NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP): 5 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
  • NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 1 (1988)
  • NBA Rookie of the Year: 1 (1985)
  • Scoring Titles: 10 (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
  • Hall of Fame Induction: 2009

“I speak for both of us [Draymond Green and myself] when we talk about honor. 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.”

Curry praised Iguodala’s basketball IQ and overall influence on the Warriors’ dynasty, emphasizing how crucial he was to their four titles. “His IQ, his impact on the game… We obviously don’t win those without him,” Curry said. He also hinted at the possibility of more jersey retirements in the future. “It’s the first of many retirements,” he added.

Though often overshadowed by the star power of Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and later Kevin Durant, Iguodala’s contributions never went unnoticed by those who truly understood the game. His leadership, defense, and clutch performances were indispensable to Golden State’s success. Iguodala’s jersey retirement ceremony is set to take place on Feb. 23, when the Warriors host the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.

Andre Iguodala’s legacy with Golden State Warriors

Andre Iguodala joined the Warriors in 2013 after a stint with the Denver Nuggets, and his arrival marked a pivotal moment for the franchise. He quickly became a defensive anchor and a veteran presence, helping establish the Warriors as a rising force in the Western Conference.

His selflessness was on full display during the 2014-15 season, when he accepted a bench role for the first time in his career. That move ultimately led to one of the most defining moments of his career—being inserted into the starting lineup during the NBA Finals. Iguodala’s defensive effort against LeBron James was instrumental in Golden State capturing its first championship in 40 years, and he was named NBA Finals MVP for his contributions.

Iguodala remained a cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty, playing a key role in their NBA championship runs in 2017 and 2018. As part of the famed “Death Lineup” alongside Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant, he brought elite perimeter defense, playmaking, and veteran leadership.

After departing the Warriors in 2019 for brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat, Iguodala returned to Golden State for the 2021-22 season. Though his playing time was limited, his leadership in the locker room helped mentor young players like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. His presence was invaluable in helping the Warriors reclaim their championship form, culminating in a fourth title for Iguodala in 2022.

Despite never winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, Iguodala was a dominant defensive presence throughout his 19-year NBA career. He even finished fifth in DPOY voting in 2014, tying with LeBron James and Serge Ibaka. On a recent episode of The OGs Podcast, Iguodala shared his picks for the most elite defenders the league has ever seen.

“I got Scottie [Pippen], 100%, for sure. I gotta put Hakeem [Olajuwon] up there. Hakeem got a quadruple-double. Hakeem is different,” Iguodala said, making his first two selections.

Initially, Iguodala named John Stockton for his third spot but quickly swapped him for another legendary point guard. “I gotta put it up to John Stockton. Ah, I’m lying, you know I’m putting Chris Paul there. Chris Paul is like that,” he explained. For his fourth spot, Iguodala went with who he believes is the best defender in NBA history: “He’s the best defender of all time to me—Dennis Rodman,” he declared.

Finally, he rounded out his list with former Lakers star and three-time DPOY winner Dwight Howard. “I saw Scottie do something that’s never been done before. Chris Paul definitely doesn’t get enough credit. Dennis Rodman might be the best defensive player of all time,” Iguodala said. “And then Hakeem was just—people don’t know how good Hakeem was. Hakeem was different. And then Dwight”.

Why Iguodala doesn’t include himself

Despite being one of the NBA’s most reliable defenders over nearly two decades, Iguodala doesn’t consider himself worthy of a spot on his list. “I never say I’m really good at something,” Iguodala said. “I always say, like, I’m not worthy of none of that. I was really good at defense, but I’m not putting myself up there. I was really good at defense”.

Iguodala’s humility aside, his defensive skills played a key role in securing championships for the Warriors and earning him Finals MVP honors in 2015. While he may not rank himself among the greatest defenders of all time, his contributions to the game speak for themselves.

A four-time NBA champion, Iguodala was the perfect complement to Stephen Curry during their dynasty years. Known for his ability to adapt against any opponent, Iguodala was part of a Warriors team that seemed nearly unbeatable. He earned NBA Finals MVP honors during the 2014-2015 season, delivering one of the most remarkable performances of his career.

While reflecting on his storied career, Iguodala acknowledged the immense talent of some of his former teammates, both with the Warriors and beyond. When asked to name his all-time NBA teammate starting five, he didn’t hesitate: “They are the greatest players of all time in terms of what they do: Chris Webber, Allen Iverson, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant,” Iguodala revealed.

Playing alongside such a star-studded lineup left a lasting impression, not just on Iguodala but on basketball fans around the world. Their performances were celebrated for their skill, chemistry, and championship pedigree, making them one of the most talked-about groups in the history of the game.

Iguodala reflects on Klay Thompson’s unique talent

While discussing his all-time NBA starting five, Iguodala shared insights into specific players, including his former Warriors teammate, Klay Thompson. Iguodala highlighted how Thompson stood out even early in his career.

“In a playoff series, you really get to know someone,” Iguodala explained. “I’m playing with you every single night, scouting you, watching your movements—I even know what time you wake up. That’s how I got to know Klay.”

Iguodala recalled being impressed by Thompson as a rookie. “I had to watch the film; this guy was different,” he said. “It was the start of that three-point revolution because back then, the three-pointer wasn’t as big. I was like, ‘This dude doesn’t even touch the rim when he shoots, and he’s doing it so fast.’ And then I found out he could defend—he was guarding me.”

Iguodala opens up about mental health in sports

Fans often overlook the mental challenges that come with being a professional athlete, focusing only on the physical game. Iguodala emphasized how critical mental health is for athletes and how it often goes unnoticed.

“I think about it, especially during tough times,” Iguodala shared. “I don’t think people understand the mental strain of playing basketball. And as a man, you’re expected to keep your guard up. You’re not supposed to have feelings, cry, or be exhausted. That’s why we face the issues we do.”

“When you have Steph on your team you always have a chance,” he said about the Warriors’ championship aspirations on First Take. “You can never count him out. It’s him and LeBron… you can’t count them out until it’s over.”

While Iguodala named Curry as the biggest reason why the Warriors are still title contenders, he also pointed out many other factors. In his eyes, Chris Paul‘s addition will make the difference for the Dubs, especially to reduce the turnovers.

The four-time NBA champion also looked excited about Jonathan Kuminga, describing his preseason performance as one of the best in the league. Iguodala also took time to praise Andrew Wiggins, but he mentioned something interesting about Klay Thompson. While many are concerned about his contract situation, Iguodala believes it will push Thompson to bring his A-game.

Warriors enter 2023-24 NBA season with new faces

While the Warriors’ core of Curry, Thompson, and Green remains untouched, this offseason brought many changes within the organization. With Bob Myers stepping away as general manager after 11 years, Mike Dunleavy didn’t wait to shake things up.

The Chris Paul trade

The new GM pulled off a shock by sending Jordan Poole to the Wizards for Chris Paul, who had just been traded to Washington by Phoenix. It was a bold move since Poole was expected to be the Warriors’ face in the future. But it proved the Dubs want to maximize their championship window.

Still, the trade raised many questions. On the one hand, Paul had a rivalry with the Dubs, which is why it sound strange to imagine him playing in the Bay area. On the other hand, many wondered how he would fit next to Curry. Well, Steve Kerr has already given signs of that in the preseason, but CP3 may also come off the bench for the first time in his career to lead the second unit. And if there’s one place where he can finally win a championship, that’s Golden State.

The Warriors also made an important move by re-signing Draymond Green, making sure to keep their core together. However, Dunleavy’s actions during free agency shouldn’t go unnoticed.

With Donte DiVincenzo and other role players walking away in the summer, the new general manager had to rebuild the rotation. That’s where Dario Saric and Cory Joseph come in handy for the Dubs.

Uncertainty around Klay Thompson’s future

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Warriors made no progress in their contract talks with Klay Thompson. Unless they reach an agreement, the Splash Brother could hit unrestricted free agency in 2024.

Thompson is not getting any younger – he’ll be 34 in February – and his injury history could make the Warriors hesitate meet the player’s demands. Thompson missed two entire seasons with a torn ACL and an achilles injury, so he’ll probably have to earn a lucrative extension throughout the season.

Last year, Curry was one of the few bright spots in a Warriors’ team that lacked consistency in the regular season. They still made the Conference Finals, but couldn’t stop a Lakers team that got swept by the Nuggets in the following round. Will they go further this time? Only time will tell us.

“It was a beautiful run. A beautiful ride. I’ve played in great cities for great organizations. I had great teammates. It’s just the right time. Time started to get limited for me and I didn’t want to put anything in the back seat. I didn’t want to have to try to delegate time anymore.”

During his sensational career, Andre Iguodala averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 1231 games. He was the 2015 NBA Finals MVP and won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. Iguodala started his career with the Sixers (2004-2012) and also played for the Denver Nuggets (2012-2013) and the Miami Heat (2020-2021).

Why is Andre Iguodala retiring?

The first interview in which Andre Iguodala confirmed his retirement was for Andscape. The pride of Springfield, Illinois, admitted his family is the key factor for the decision.

“You want to play at a high level, but then family is a lot. My son is 16 and then two girls. I’m really looking forward to seeing them grow up in those important years.”

Iguodala doesn’t think he’ll accept a coaching job as all his efforts will be focused on his venture firm, Mosaic. Though it probably won’t be at the NBA, ownership at the business level is the next chapter for him.

Will the Warriors have success without Andre Iguodala?

The Golden State Warriors made a shocking decision after trading Jordan Poole to the Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul. Now, the veteran gets a big chance to win his first championship alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

In the negotiation, the Warriors also gave Washington a protected 2030 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick. Considering Poole is only 24-years old and Paul is in the final stage of his career, many people wonder if it’s a lopsided trade.

However, Draymond Green has a different opinion. “When you have Steph Curry on your team, you always have a chance. You cannot count him out until it’s over. CP (Chris Paul) is going to be an addition to that team. Turnovers have been a problem for the Warriors historically and CP is one of those guys who can settle them down. Steve Kerr already spoke about the leadership he’s brought to the team.”

Andre Iguodala, a four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, played different roles in their success. His best moment was during the 2014-15 season when he earned the Finals MVP award as the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, Iguodala has been seen as a complementary player alongside the Warriors’ big three of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. His significance became even smaller in the Kevin Durant era, and he barely played for the 2021-22 championship-winning team. This has led to a compelling debate about his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Iguodala himself addressed this issue on The Old Man and The Three podcast: “I’m not a ‘ring culture’ guy. But I’ve benefitted from that. I know I have a lot of flaws. And I think there should be tiers of the Hall of Fame. I’m not a Hall of Famer, if you ask me. No, no, no. Those guys had no flaws.”

Iguodala Makes the Case for a Change in the Hall of Fame

Despite having a great career in terms of team achievements, Iguodala benefited from being on a roster with an all-time great like Curry. He has been a very reliable player, but it’s also true that he was an All-Star only once in his career.

Something intriguing Iguodala proposed includes a distinction even within the Hall of Fame: stating “And I think I was good, but like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James. Come on man, I can’t do that. And a lot of us can’t do that. They have to be in their own, like, different world. And then Michael Jordan should be in his different world, that’s how good he was.”

Iguodala’s self-assessment highlighted his humility and respect for the legends of the game. While receiving such a recognition would be a great honor for any player, he stayed true to what he thinks of basketball history. This might be a topic to debate considering plenty of fans argue the criteria nowadays isn’t as strict as it should.

How Old Is Andre Iguodala?

Andre Iguodala is 39 years old.

The young guard, who used to be seen as the potential heir apparent to Stephen Curry in the Bay area, was sent to the Washington Wizards in return for Chris Paul this offseason.

Needless to say, this means a big change in his career, having to leave a star-studded team for a franchise where he will have more responsibility for the collective success. Therefore, Andre Iguodala revealed what he told Poole recently.

Andre Iguodala helping Jordan Poole after Warriors exit

“I talked to him to this day,” Iguodala said on the Gil’s Arena podcast. “I said, ‘Listen, you got to grow up now. You got your own team. It come with some responsibility. And you’ve been in environments where it’s really controlled. Everybody’s cool, everybody’s in line.’ I’m like, it really ain’t like this in the NBA.“

Iguodala hasn’t decided whether he’s returning to the Dubs for training camp yet, but he still cares about his former teammates. Poole is a young player who is facing a challenging situation early in his career, but if he listens to the experienced ones, he may get through it.