"All he needs is teeny 2 months of Miami basketball and it's over" - Andre Iguodala praises former No. 1 draft pick, says he needs the proper culture to prosper
Andre Iguodala recently praised former No. 1 draft pick Anthony Edwards and said a proper winning culture could fully unlock the Minnesota Timberwolves guard's potential.
Iguodala knows a thing or two about team culture. He flourished with the Golden State Warriors, winning four championships. He also played for the Miami Heat for two seasons.
On a recent episode of the "Point Forward" podcast, Iguodala and co-host Evan Turner had Dwyane Wade as a guest. They discussed the rise of Anthony Edwards and what he needs to do to take the next step in his career.
"This kid, he's different. He's like you (Wade) when he can change those directions," Iguodala said. "He can split pick-and-rolls and he's explosive coming out of it. It's insane, and all he needs is teeny 2 months of Miami basketball and it's over with."
"It's over. Oh my God. That kid's got it, man. He can shoot it, too."
: @SpongewoIf)Andre Iguodala on Anthony Edwards: “That kids got it man. He got it.”
(🎥: @SpongewoIf) https://t.co/HXe4R0dfoh
Edwards had a great sophomore season, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals. He shot 44.1% from the field, including 35.7% from beyond the arc. He was even better in the postseason, averaging 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field (40.4% from 3-point range).
It was certainly a breakout campaign for Edwards and the 21-year-old is expected to raise his game next season.
What's next for Andre Iguodala?
Andre Iguodala remains a free agent as the Golden State Warriors await a decision on his future. Iguodala has not made a decision on whether he'll return for his 19th season or retire. At the age of 38, he still has something to offer the defending champions.
In a recent interview with Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed that they would accept Iguodala if he chooses to return. The Warriors are leaving an open roster spot for the veteran.
"I leave Andre alone. He knows where we stand," Kerr said. "If he wants to come back, we'd love to have him. The one thing we feel strongly about with Andre is we want to give him whatever space and time he needs to make a decision. I'm leaving him alone."
The Warriors’ 14th roster spot is being held for Andre Iguodala, who has yet to decide whether he will retire or return.
Steve Kerr isn’t rushing him into any decision, he tells @anthonyVslater.
“Whenever he makes his decision is fine with us.”
theathletic.com/3465697/?sourc… https://t.co/rR2s8ufCgp
Iguodala spent the first eight years of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He put up great numbers in Philly, earning an All-Star selection in his final season. He was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2012 before signing with the Golden State Warriors the following year.
In his first six seasons at Golden State, Iguodala won three championships, in 2015, 2017 and 2018. He was also the 2015 NBA Finals MVP. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, but did not play a single game for the team. He was dealt to the Miami Heat and helped them reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Iguodala returned to the Warriors last season as a free agent and won his fourth championship.