Warriors’ Andre Iguodala Says You’ve Got To Respect LeBron For ‘Living Up To Expectations’

LeBron James deserves all the respect in this world, and Warriors’ Andre Iguodala sure respects him. It was more than obvious that LeBron would grow into a star, and Iguodala believes it’s crazy that he has exceeded the expectations that were put on his shoulders as a high school student.

“You got to respect what he’s done throughout his whole career,” Iggy said on ESPN’s First Take, via Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area. “Talk about living up to expectations and exceeding expectations from a high school kid. That’s just an amazing achievement in itself. He was deemed the second-greatest basketball player of all time in high school. How many of those guys fizzle out?”

Iguodala and LeBron will always be remembered for The Block. It’s one of the stories they share.

“The Block needs little explanation. LeBron James chased down Andre Iguodala and pinned what looked to be an easy layup on the backboard with 1:50 left to keep the game tied. But to avoid committing a foul or a goaltend while running and jumping at full speed might be the single greatest athletic moment for one of the all-time great athletes. Combined with ABC/ESPN’s Mike Breen’s call, it might also be the most rewatchable highlight in sports highlight. Again, unless you’re a Warriors fan. The play. The call. The crowd’s stunned reaction. What an incredible moment.”

“I always feel the most exciting play in a game is a blocked shot like that,” Breen said of The Block (Yes, there’s an oral history of The Block). “I know the 3-pointer is great or a pass inside and the slam dunk is wonderful, but I think to call, there’s nothing more exciting to call than a blocked shot. Especially when it is out of nowhere.”

LeBron has won three titles, two with the Miami Heat and one with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is a three-time Finals MVP, four-time regular season MVP and has already passed Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan ont he NBA’s all-time scoring list. So, yes, Iguodala has a few good reasons to respect him, and this should be a lesson for everyone in the NBA.