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A great legend waves goodbye. Andre Iguodala has retired from the NBA after 19 years of a career characterized by success. He played in seven NBA Finals and was a crucial component of the last great dynasty in NBA championships, the Golden State Warriors, who won it four times. He partnered with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr to win many titles.

Andscape had an interview with the 2015 NBA Finals MVP on what was supposed to be a regular Friday morning and he announced his retirement. He admitted that although the Warriors, among others, showed interest in him, he has decided to leave the game.

The Agony of a 20-Year Journey

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As stated by the 39-year-old Iguodala in a phone interview with Andscape, ?It?s just the right time. Time became restricted for me and thus, I wanted to have nothing in the back. I didn?t want to keep on allocating time. Particularly court-related and off-court family a lot.”

However, why did Iguodala arrive at this critical point? Two decades of intense aches ? both physically and emotionally ? were experienced on the hardwood. The relentless injuries and never-ending pains were the hidden reasons for his decisions.

?Man, that stuff hurts. People don’t realize what your body goes through, even the people closest to you,? Iguodala said on his podcast, Point Forward. ?Like, you be in pain and they look at us ?you always hurting.’ Like, I need a new hip. I need 2 new knees. I need a new wrist now. I just thought it was time.?

Iguodala has come through different injuries in his career, including a fractured wrist that had surgery on it this spring. In addition, he has also suffered from problems in his neck, hip, and knees. Every game was like climbing a mountain as the constant physical demand turned into an unwelcome constant.

An Illustrious Journey Comes to a Close

Andre Iguodala is a professional basketball player who was drafted by the 76ers at number nine in the first round of the 2004 Draft. He stayed with the 76ers until 2012, and then he played one season with the Denver Nuggets, after which he joined the Golden State Warriors. He clinched the four NBA championships while with the Warriors and a Finals MVP in 2015.

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He impressed fans with his versatility and defended in a manner that was welcomed by fans and teammates. However, Iguodala?s career was not only about the championships and accolades. He was his team?s leader, as well as the intangibles he brought to every team he played for: the glue guy in the locker room, an unselfish teammate, and a professional gentleman both on and off the court.

On average, he scored 11.3 points per game, grabbed 4.9 rebounds per game, and provided 4.2 assists per game throughout his career. However, his legacy went beyond the stat sheet, and he will always be appreciated for turning the teams that he played with into champions.

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Eventually, Andre Iguodala?s swan song was a sad farewell to a man who will be missed by many. There were tears as he made his decision?tears brought about by the agony tormenting his body, but also tears that rejoiced in him completing a career of sacrifice, dedication, and striving for excellence. The last buzzer will sound while it is still the start of Iguodala?s legend in basketball history.