Video: Andre Iguodala Discusses His Love for Stephen Curry After Warriors Win

Paul KasabianSenior ContributorJune 3, 2019

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 2: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during Game Two of the NBA Finals on June 2, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is a three-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP, but he hasn't been immune to a healthy dose of criticism during his career.

After the Warriors' 109-104 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, teammate Andre Iguodala addressed the critics, per 95.7 The Game:

95.7 The Game @957thegame
“I’m doing whatever it takes to protect his legacy.” Iguodala goes into more detail about why he loves Steph Curry. https://t.co/nPbDXlbDHD

"I've never seen a person—such a good person—ever get some backlash or whatever from his peers because they're so jealous of what he has. ... Whatever it takes to protect his legacy, I'm all for it."

Iguodala also called Curry "a good dude" and a "good guy to be around":

95.7 The Game @957thegame
“I like Steph. He’s a good dude.” - Iguodala’s hilarious answer as to why he continues to play through injuries. https://t.co/YYmMKPOQgV

Only four players have continuously played for the Warriors from the 2013-14 season (the year prior to the team's championship run) to present date: Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Curry and Iguodala.

Naturally, the chemistry and bonds are clearly strong between the quartet, helping lead to three titles in four years. And it also means that the players may feel the need to defend their teammates in the media when necessary.

Curry has been a particular target for critics, with ex-players being a notable example. Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated went long on the topic in June 2016 and provided numerous examples of former players (e.g. Oscar Robertson and Cedric Ceballos) speaking out against the point guard's play.

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"They don't expose Steph and the way he plays defense," Ceballos said on the Steve Gorman Sports! show on Fox Sports Radio. "I don't think [my old, 1993-94 Phoenix Suns team] would have a problem with Golden State."

In March 2019, a poll of current NBA players via The Athletic didn't rate Curry particularly well in certain categories. The floor general only received 7.4 percent of votes for a question asking who the league's best ball-handler may be. He only got 6.4 percent of votes on a question regarding who players would sign first for a hypothetical roster from scratch, and he received zero MVP votes.

Regardless of anyone's opinion on Curry's legacy, the Warriors are the favorites to win their fourth title in five years. Game 3 of the NBA Finals is Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The seven-game series is tied at one apiece.

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