Veteran forward Andre Iguodala rejoined the Golden State Warriors ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season for what many believe will be his final year in the league. But even if Iguodala ends up retiring next summer, he might still have a place on the team, albeit in a different role.
Speaking with reporters about Iguodala, the Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr said that the veteran “can do whatever he wants” in retirement and will be good at it. He then jokingly bounced an intriguing idea.
“He’s taking over Mike Brown’s spot [head assistant ],” Kerr added jokingly. “Yeah, right next to me. I haven’t told Mike yet. I haven’t told Andre either.”
Despite saying it as a joke, it really wouldn’t be surprising if Kerr actually brings Iguodala to his coaching staff. It might not be as a head assistant at first, but the NBA Finals MVP from 2015 certainly has all the making of a successful coach at the highest level. He has been a silent leader in the Warriors locker room for years while never shying away from providing mentorship to younger players.
Iguodala spent the previous two years with the Miami Heat. After the Heat declined to pick up his team option for 2021-22, the 37-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Warriors in August. He played 23.5 minutes on average in the first two games of the season, averaging eight points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one block per contest.
