Andre Iguodala: I have to remind folks in suits sometimes: we are the shield; we’re the brand. The NBA does an amazing job of monetizing the game. People say, “How can you pay athletes this much money?” So what do you want us to do—not pay them? Where’s the money going to go if we don’t give it to the athletes? It’s either going to go to richer people or to the athletes. The NBA has done an amazing job of monetizing the shield, but the shield isn’t what it is unless you have the talent behind it, which is the players. So, you sitting in your dark room—that’s a real human experience that people don’t understand. Sometimes, during negotiations, teams say, “Why are the players reacting like this?” It extends well beyond them. My time might be up, but I’ve put a lot into this shield. We’ve got some amazing things coming up that I’m really excited about. These things should be happening soon—ways we can continue to uplift and protect each other. -via YouTube / January 23, 2025
