Grab your tissue, Bay Area—Andre Iguodala is getting his No. 9 jersey retired by the Golden State Warriors, and honestly, it’s about time someone acknowledged all the real MVPs out there.

Iguodala, who hung up his sneakers in October 2023 after a stellar 19-season career, is the kind of player who doesn’t just showcase skills but embodies the very essence of integrity and grit. You won’t find him barking into a camera or creating a TikTok dance to go viral. No, he’s the quiet storm—more of a Jedi Master than a flashy basketball star.

As he strolls the streets of San Francisco, he finds that fans can’t help but stop him to share how his humble attitude and dedication have influenced their lives. One fan even mentioned how Iguodala’s example has changed their parenting style. Forget parenting classes—just put on some Warriors highlights and take notes from this legend.

“99% of the interactions I have here are just pure gold; it’s like a morality booster shot,” Iguodala mused. Let’s be real, in a world swirling around in a capitalist cesspool, a little slice of genuine humanity is refreshing.

The Warriors’ decision to make Iguodala the seventh player in franchise history to have his number retired isn’t just about honoring past stats and achievements. It’s a way to say, ‘Hey, this guy is an example of how to do it right!’ He’s joining the ranks of legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Chris Mullin—no small feat! This honor will take place post-game on February 23, where we can all collectively swoon as his jersey joins the rafters, signifying that the Warriors aren’t just about the glitz and glam, but also about heart and soul.

It’s ironic to think that while we’re plagued by billionaires exploiting the system, Iguodala has been busy redefining what it means to be a team player. He wasn’t just a defensive stalwart; he was the guy who switched up the game plan on the biggest stage while playing chess with LeBron James in the 2015 Finals.

By stepping into a leadership role and sharing wisdom with teammates, Iguodala became the quiet architect of success, reminding us all that collaboration is key in a world that glorifies individualism. As coach Steve Kerr aptly said, “Andre was the glue that held everything together.”

So here’s to you, Andre—may your number be a constant reminder that hard work, strategy, and humanity matter more than flashy stats. We’ll just be sitting here, trying to be better people, thankful that we had you to show us the way.