Andre Iguodala, who was acquired from the Denver Nuggets as part of a three-team trade, was formally introduced as a Golden State Warrior during an introductory press conference on Thursday, July 11.
.@andre holds up his #Warriors No. 9 jersey for the first time. pic.twitter.com/uGSZDHsGTC
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) July 11, 2013
Media members questioned Warriors General Manager Bob Myers about what it took to get Iguodala to the Bay Area as well as what his addition to the team means to the organization.
GM Bob Myers on @andre: "We feel like he is the missing piece of the puzzle for this team." Live press conference on http://t.co/PYLlDkwEZ8
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) July 11, 2013
Myers said that when Iguodala--an elite player--said he wanted to play for the Warriors, it "was a transformative moment for our franchise."
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 11, 2013
Iguodala discussed how he fits in with the team and the young core the Warriors have assembled and how his game can help take the team to the next level.
#WarriorsTalk -- Iguodala on #Warriors: "They were missing one piece. Hopefully I can be that piece." http://t.co/SvxDwE6i4C #NBA
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) July 11, 2013
"It may not show up on the stat sheet, but if you watch the game again you'll see (my impact)." - @andre Watch live: http://t.co/Zi5ePpVbOF
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) July 11, 2013
Iguodala: "Playing up against San Antonio, what were the 1 or 2 things they needed to do to beat them? I'm trying to bring that to table."
— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) July 12, 2013
So, why did Iguodala choose the Warriors? He mentioned the team's undeniable chemistry and high IQ, the vision ownership has for the franchise, and his desire to play in front of the best fans in the NBA.
Warriors swingman Andre Iguodala said "their vision for what they want to do with this franchise" played huge part in wanting to come here.
— Rusty Simmons (@Rusty_SFChron) July 11, 2013
Iguodala's first day as a Warrior was a busy one. After talking to the media, he signed autographs and posed for photos with kids from the Warriors Basketball Camp...
... showed off his new uniform for a photo shoot ...
... filmed some promotional material with our creative team ...
... and finally ended the day by shooting some hoops with his son.
Bob Myers said Iguodala joining the Warriors was a "transformative moment". The interest Golden State received from free agents this year reinforced that the organization is headed in the right direction, but Iguodala's longing to play here shows just how bright the future is. Iguodala brings with him nine years of NBA experience and all of the right basketball tools the Warriors need to take things to the next level. It doesn't hurt that he already has close friendships with a few of the guys.
#DubNation has embraced Iguodala with open arms, welcoming tweets, and, in a few months, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRIORS chants. After his crazy day, Iguodala took to his Instagram to show the fans that the level of excitement is mutual.
Welcome to #DubNation, Andre.
See the full social coverage of Iguodala's press conference on our Storify.
Follow Andre Iguodala on Twitter and Instagram.
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