Iggy is back.
Warriors veteran forward Andre Iguodala will return for a 19th NBA season, he announced on Instagram on Friday. That was welcome news for the defending champion Warriors, who had been holding a roster spot open for the 38-year-old Iguodala, who has won four championships with Golden State.
“I myself will be returning for my 19th season,” Iguodala said on Instagram.
“Really looking forward to getting back with my guys.”
Iguodala had mulled his future all summer as the Warriors remained patient with him. He’ll once again be counted on to provide veteran leadership, a high-basketball IQ and minutes off the bench. Iguodala averaged 4.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 38.0% in 19.5 minutes across 31 games last season, when he was slowed by knee, hip and back ailments.
“He's someone you want around,” Warriors general manager Bob Myers said Thursday, when he was still unsure if Iguodala would return. “If it was up to me, we would keep him around a long time, even if he wasn't playing, but we're running out of time. I'll call him when we get out of here, see what he's doing – he's going to let you know, apparently. You'll know when I know. Watch his podcast, I guess.”
The Warriors open training camp Saturday, with their first preseason game set to be played against the Wizards on Sept. 30 in Japan.
