Max Kellerman finally explained his “I want Iguodala” rant from First Take.
Max Kellerman-Andre Iguodala Take
“I want Igudola.”
In 2019, Kellerman set the Internet ablaze with those three words.
While serving as a panelist on First Take, Kellerman was asked whether he would rather see Andre Iguodala or Steph Curry take the last shot in a close game for the Golden State Warriors.
Much to Stephen A. Smith’s surprise, Kellerman chose the MVP of the 2015 NBA Finals.
“Of everyone on Golden State, open shot, the fate of the universe on the line, the Martians have the death beam pointed at earth, you better hit it, I want Iguodala,” Kellerman said on First Take during coverage of the 2019 NBA Finals. “That’s right, and I know what it sounds like. And it’s not fair to Steph because so much defensive attention is paid to him. And I’m not saying Steph’s not a better shooter. He’s a way better shooter. Iguodala’s got ice water in his veins. Iguodala is that type of player.”
The infamous clip became one of Kellerman’s most viral moments of his career, even after he left First Take.
Max Kellerman Defends Andre Iguodala Comments
After a hiatus from sports media, Kellerman returns with a new podcast alongside his co-host, Rich Paul. The show will be part of The Ringer podcast network.
Kellerman recently joined Bill Simmons on The Ringer founder’s podcast. During their discussion, Kellerman received a chance to defend his Iguodala take.
“The point I was making was Steph Curry, I had seen in Game 7. I was there on my own dime. I just wanted to see it as a fan,” Kellerman told Bill Simmons. “And they had the greatest half-court offense in the history of basketball. They had 73 wins. They were about to be declared the greatest basketball team of all time. It was five minutes left in the fourth quarter in a Game 7 at home. They did not score another point. And you are the point guard and the best player on the team.”
Kellerman is referring to Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. With 4:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, Klay Thompson hit a basket to tie the game at 89-89. The Warriors did not score a single point the rest of the way, and the Cavs won 93-89 to complete the 3-1 comeback and win the NBA championship.
In the last five minutes or so of Game 7, Curry missed four shots and committed a crucial turnover on a pass.
“He’s carelessly throwing behind-the-back passes out of bounds,” Kellerman added. “He’s scared to shoot. When he does shoot, he’s not hitting. I can’t say scared. I don’t know what’s going on in his heart. But that’s what appeared. And the bottom line is that the offense didn’t score a single point the rest of the way and lost a Game 7 at home. That, to me, is ‘fate of the universe on the line.’ So that’s what I meant. A guy like Iguodala, open shot, not getting his own shot. I have confidence, Iggy; if he has the shot, he’s gonna take it and nail it.”
Agree or disagree, Kellerman isn’t afraid to defend his take.
