“It kind of disrespects the former era” - Andre Iguodala questions Golden State Warriors’ building for the future
Andre Iguodala
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala voiced his concern over the decision of the Warriors' front office to focus on developing young players while trying to contend with the core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. For Iguodala, it was a form of disrespect for the former era.
Win now or build for the future?
The front office deserves kudos for keeping the championship core intact and adding a glue guy like Andre. For the first time in about three years, Klay, Steph, and Draymond are healthy enough to play, and the result is obvious - the Warriors are back. It’s not wise to break up the team and rebuild, but the front office had a better idea: infuse the team with some youth, so the next era is taken care of as well.
The Warriors have a lot of young talents with potential in Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman. Their development should not be in the same timeline as the title window of Curry & Co., but somehow Golden State made it work. They are developing young talents to prepare for the future while pushing the team’s core to fight for the title. For Iguodala, it’s unfair to the past era and the young generation.
“It’s just, you know, it kind of disrespects the former era. But I also don’t think you’re giving the new era the opportunity to grow and be kids, throwing that all on them and it’s not deserving. It’s just my perspective. Could be wrong.”
Andre Iguodala, The Athletic
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Andre’s frustrations are understandable. He joined the GSW team to win a title and not to become a mentor to the young players. But there’s a lesson everyone is learning now: trust the process.
Examining Iguodala’s statements
The Golden State Warriors are 3rd in the Western Conference behind the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies. At some point, they were on top of the standings. So Andre’s concerns are a bit of a stretch considering the team is playing well, and the gamble is working.
Is it unfair for the past era that the front office decided to develop young players instead of bringing in veterans or more assets? In a way, yes. Letting young players learn and improve isn't on the same timeline as win-now moves.
Is it unfair for the likes of Wiseman, Poole, or Kuminga to be pressured to learn fast and adapt to the system of Steve Kerr sooner than later? It could fast-track their development, and it could be good for their careers in the long run.
The truth is, the championship window for Golden State’s core may close soon. The front office, players, and coaching staff know this. Trying to win a title and letting the young players do their thing is a risk that other teams may not be ready to take.
The Warriors gambled, and it is paying handsomely for them so far. Will it end with a title? We’ll have to wait and see.
