Andre Iguodala Advices Young Stars on How Leaving Riches Made Him a 4-Time Champion

Retired NBA star Andre Iguodala was once touted to be one of the better players of his generation. But as time passed, the star forward preferred to play second fiddle to other young stars in hopes of winning championships.

When he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was the primary superstar of the team, leading them to 5 playoff appearances in 8 seasons. He still had 2 years left on the 6-year, $80.6 million deal he signed.

But the 76ers preferred to start their ‘process’ and decided the money saved was better invested in other areas. Then, after a one year spell with the Denver Nuggets, he surprisingly did not sign a 5-year extension.

Instead, he chose to sign a 4-year, $48 million contract to play with the Golden State Warriors. That decision changed the course of his career. He went from a leading star to one who was willing to take a smaller role in the hopes of winning titles.

In his 2nd season, that goal became a reality, and his 2015 NBA Finals MVP win made him a surefire Hall of Fame candidate. When the now 41-year-old appeared on the Young Man and the Three, he detailed how he uses his experiences to educate young players.

I went there in Philly, for about two years, I had the dream house, the three-car garage. I had it all, I thought I had a life. Then, I just wasn’t happy. I gave it all away and got into a small one-bedroom apartment. I’m just like, ‘Aight. Lemme just learn myself.’

Andre Iguodala said

"I had the dream house, the three car garage… and I just wasn't happy." — Andre Iguodala on why he gave it all away for a one-bedroom apartment to learn about himself early in his NBA career pic.twitter.com/lcKntJi2Xc

— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) September 26, 2025

He revealed that getting all the riches did not make him happy. After he lost his love for the game, he left those riches behind and then went on to become a part of NBA history.

Andre Iguodala details how it is hard to educate young players

While talking about how, as a professional athlete, they have had their fair share of questionable decisions, Andre Iguodala revealed how he tries to educate young players on the real goals of life.

We know where we were as teenagers… We were stupid too. They just don’t, but they think they know. You have to get them to understand it’s like, ‘I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m just trying to keep you from making the same mistakes I did.’

Andre Iguodala said

The former All-Star added that when he tries to educate young players, he reminds them that the advice does not help him in any way. Instead, it is just for the young star to understand what happens to pro athletes.

Iguodala believes then also reminds them, that they have to help young players when they are older. Only then can star athletes making millions understand their career’s true goal.

Andre Iguodala’s sacrifice helped him become a 4-time champion

Andre Iguodala could have taken the easy path and signed the 5-year deal with the Denver Nuggets. That could have given him the most financial security. However, at the time, he stuck to his true goal and opted for a shorter deal.

He probably saw what the Golden State Warriors were building and decided it was best if he played second-fiddle to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

When he won the Finals MVP, it shocked the entire world. But it was fitting as his all-round effort in the 2015 Finals helped the Warriors win their 4th NBA championship.

He then stuck around for the next two, again taking a step back after Kevin Durant joined them. Iguodala was the team veteran and the one who kept the younger Warriors in check.

After he left, the franchise could not continue its championship-winning streak. Only after he returned did they win their 4th title in 8 years. It was a testament to his worth, as his goal was to concentrate on his game. Earlier this year, the franchise retired his jersey.

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