Golden State Warriors: Jerry West Played a Big Role in Signing Andre Iguodala

December 12, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors executive board member Jerry West smiles during a television interview during media day at the Golden State Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors made a noticeable splash earlier this offseason by signing Andre Iguodala in free agency.

The 6′ 6″ small forward was very close to signing with the Sacramento Kings, and was reportedly hours away from going to the Dallas Mavericks, but in the end, it was the Warriors that Iguodala chose, despite the fact that they offered him less money than the other teams.

So what was the deciding factor? Why did he sign with the Warriors?

Iguodala says that it was Jerry West, who is currently a consultant with Golden State.

“Golden State has been on my radar for a while now,” he told NBATV. “About four or five years ago, I had a conversation with Jerry West when he was still with Memphis, and he just picked my game apart. I didn’t realize that he watched me play…he knew everything about my game.

“I knew every organization that he was a part of had a lot of success, and he changed things around. So when he got on board with Golden State, that raised my eyebrows. That’s the kind of organization…they’re up next, because he’s a part of it and he’s always had success. So they have been on my radar for a few years.”

West achieved tremendous success at the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, and has been a terrific presence in the Warriors’ front office since joining the team in 2011.

There is a reason why he is nicknamed “The Logo.” West is one of the most renowned and respected faces in the NBA, and the fact that he was a big factor in Iguodala signing with the Warriors is just one example why.