(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
Andre Iguodala has done a lot during his 19 years in the NBA.
Between his four championships and his Finals MVP in 2015, the man was a crucial part of several teams.
He also played for Team USA in the 2012 Olympics, all thanks to the recommendation of Kobe Bryant.
Speaking on “Gil’s Arena” recently, Iguodala opened up about how the Los Angeles Lakers legend granted him a spot on the team.
“I made the Olympic team in 2012 because Kobe Bryant was like, ‘This is the best defender in the league,’” Iguodala said.
At that point in his career, he had only been selected for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
He wouldn’t earn his spot on the All-Defensive First Team for a couple more years.
The faith that Bryant had in Iguodala obviously played a big part in his inclusion on the team.
Bryant’s word was highly respected by just about everyone in the league at the time.
If Bryant wanted to play with someone, he would get his way.
However, Iguodala was already doing big things at that point.
He was averaging double-digits in every game and had just earned his first All-Star selection too.
However, his best days were still ahead of him as he would soon join the Warriors and start the most important chapter of his career.
Iguodala spent years with the Warriors but it’s now assumed that his time in the league has come to an end.
However, there hasn’t been a definitive statement about this future.
He may be retired or he may come back.
In fact, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said that even though he suspects Iguodala is done, “the phone is always on.”
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