The Golden State Warriors took on the Philadelphia 76ers in a heated game that saw Klay Thompson score a career-high 46 points. After the game, he was interviewed by ESPN’s Rachel Nichols and revealed his thoughts about Andre Iguodala, who scored 10 points in the loss.

Klay Thompson paid an underrated Andre Iguodala the ultimate compliment, though it’s one Iggy might not deserve.

Klay Thompson, the shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, has a lot of respect for Andre Iguodala. In fact, Thompson thinks Iggy will wind up in Springfield, Massachusetts at some point.

Iguodala is nearing the conclusion of his career, having returned to Golden State this summer. Thompson believes that he will leave a legacy that should be recognized by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Is the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, however, deserving of such honors?

Andre Iguodala should be in the Hall of Fame, according to Klay Thompson.

Klay Thompson said he still seeks guidance from Andre Iguodala on a regular basis. He said that one day his jersey will be up in the rafters.

“In my opinion, he’s a Hall of Famer.”

September 27, 2021 — Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin)

Klay Thompson is one of the league’s most accomplished players. He’s a three-time NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, and a two-time All-NBA pick. Despite his abilities, Thompson seeks advice from Andre Iguodala.

On Monday, Warriors 2-guard Andre Iguodala revealed he seeks Iguodala’s counsel on a regular basis. He also made a bold statement regarding Iguodala’s all-time great status.

Thompson thinks Iggy’s number should be retired by the Warriors, saying, “He’s a Hall of Famer in my book.” Is the experienced swingman deserving of a place in Springfield’s Hall of Fame? Is Thompson exaggerating when he says Iggy should be in the Hall of Fame?

The argument for Andre Iguodala’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame

Though there is an argument to be made on Iggy’s side, Klay Thompson’s opinion that the Warriors should retire Iguodala’s jersey is a solid one.

Igoudala, like Thompson, was a three-time NBA champion with the Lakers. During the 2013-14 season, he was awarded NBA Finals MVP and All-Defensive First Team. In terms of his Golden State legacy, though, Iguodala’s willingness to take a back seat has greater significance.

In his debut season with the Warriors, the 37-year-old started all 63 of his games. However, he relished his position as the team’s sixth player in 2014-15, allowing Draymond Green to go into the starting lineup. Golden State’s two-way potential was maximized as a consequence of this decision, and the Warriors won their first title.

While Iguodala had to adapt to a bench position, he maintained his defensive excellence and was an important component of Golden State’s postseason rotations.

What about Iggy’s credentials as a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? That’s somewhat more difficult to understand.

Iguodala has only been named to one All-Star squad in his career. His lifetime player efficiency of 15.4 isn’t very impressive. He has a 6.1 percent probability of reaching the Hall of Fame, according to Basketball Reference. However, it’s worth remembering that Toni Kukoc was inducted into the Hall of Fame with a 0.5 percent chance, but his influence in Europe undoubtedly had a role in his nomination. Furthermore, when it comes to the induction procedure, the Hoops Hall is a little erratic.

Iguodala, on the other hand, has yet to retire. With the Warriors, he has a chance to win another title, and his status as a key senior leader may make all the difference in the long term.

In Klay Thompson’s absence, Iggy may be crucial.

On Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, Golden State Warriors player Klay Thompson presents Andre Iguodala before an NBA game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. | Getty Images/Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/The Mercury News

While waiting for Klay Thompson to recover from an Achilles injury, the Warriors will need Andre Iguodala to fill in at the wing position.

Thompson isn’t anticipated back until the beginning of January. Andrew Wiggins’ status is also up in the air, given his objection to the COVID-19 vaccination. Iguodala is a crucial player for the Warriors this season because of both of these reasons.

Golden State can’t afford to give Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga a lot of playing time. Steve Kerr, the team’s head coach, would most likely want some consistency in his rotations in order to maintain the team’s identity on defense. In terms of the Dubs’ roster composition, Iguodala’s ability to defend several spots while also serving as a backup ball-handler and floor-spacer looms big.

If Iguodala is recognized in Springfield, only time will tell. For the time being, the Warriors will likely hope he can offer important minutes and serve as a defensive pillar while they wait for Thompson’s return tour to begin.

Basketball Reference provided the statistics.

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