As Andre Iguodala strolls through the Bay Area, fans frequently approach him to express their admiration for how he conducted himself while playing for the Golden State Warriors.

For his tenacity and relentless effort. For accomplishing the understated tasks that many overlooked.

Some attendees even express how his example has shaped their parenting styles — that illustrates his substantial influence on high-profile basketball both on and off the court.

“I’m accustomed to being approached frequently, but now it surprises me because I’m no longer on the court. You can easily distinguish a good fan from a bad fan from a distance, enabling me to discern genuine interactions. I believe that those I encounter in the Bay Area are genuinely good people with strong principles, leading to 99% of my encounters being positive.”

• “You walk away feeling a little bit better about yourself because you realize it’s bigger than just you.”

The Warriors announced that Iguodala is set to become the seventh player to have his jersey retired by the team, joining the ranks of legends like Rick Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Nate Thurmond (42), Al Attles (16), Chris Mullin (17), and Tom Meschery (14).

Golden State will honor Iguodala and raise his No. 9 jersey during an afternoon game against Dallas on February 23, allowing former teammate Klay Thompson to attend the ceremony.

“Andre will be remembered as one of the smartest, most unique, and successful players to don a Warriors jersey,” noted owner Joe Lacob.

Iguodala, who retired in October 2023 after 19 seasons and four championships with Golden State — including an NBA Finals MVP award in 2015 — became the acting executive director of the National Basketball Players Association soon after announcing his retirement.

At 40, Iguodala was the 9th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft from Arizona and played 1,231 career games. He dedicated eight seasons to the Philadelphia 76ers, one to the Denver Nuggets, six back to the Warriors, two seasons with Miami, and concluded his career back with Golden State. He celebrated championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Iguodala was known for his defensive prowess and versatility, mentoring younger teammates in the twilight of his career while providing valuable insights to coach Steve Kerr. Kerr notably relied on Iguodala when he shifted him into the starting lineup during the 2015 NBA Finals to guard then-Cleveland star, LeBron James.

“Many of these contributions go unnoticed. Regularly, I have fans tell me, ‘You really guided me in raising my children, emphasizing a solidwork ethic, teamwork, discipline, and the importance of sacrifice. Sometimes, doing less is more, but knowing when to be ready for decisive moments.’”