Though it’s been a while since we last heard from Max Kellerman, it’s likely he’d still prefer Andre Iguodala taking a crucial shot if the universe’s fate depended on it. Iguodala might have thought Kellerman was a bit off his rocker for that take while he was Stephen A. Smith’s sparring partner on First Take, yet Kellerman stood firmly by his belief, even if it earned a dismissive eye roll from Smith, who called it “nonsensical.” This moment quickly became a meme, etching its place in NBA history.
Smith wouldn’t particularly rank this as one of his most heated disagreements with Kellerman, especially after he lamented their lack of chemistry as a reason for their eventual split, leading Kellerman to explore other opportunities. This culminated in ESPN parting ways with the veteran sportscaster a few years back. Recently, whispers from personalities like Brian Kenny, Jordan Schultz, and Marcellus Wiley suggest something significant is on the horizon, with Wiley even predicting a reunion by 2026. However, whether Kellerman will make a return to the media scene remains uncertain, especially since there was a period when ESPN was essentially paying him not to work, during which he didn’t show up elsewhere in sports media.
On Sunday, his name re-entered the conversation, but not due to any sports media activities — it was all about Andre Iguodala. Iguodala has become the first player from the four-championship Golden State Warriors dynasty to have his number retired, making way for Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to join the ranks when their time comes.
That special moment for Iguodala arrived on Sunday, Feb. 23. While Kellerman wasn’t in attendance, Warriors coaching staff members made sure to pay tribute to him. Before the pregame festivities, several of Steve Kerr’s staff wore shirts that read, “I want Iguodala,” a clear homage to Kellerman’s famous declaration.
Some of the Warriors coaches are wearing “I want Iguodala” shirts 😂👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4bb88rFYtK
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 23, 2025
Let’s rewind to that pivotal moment. In a classic ESPN style, the network dedicated a significant portion of an NBA Finals segment on First Take to the debate of who would be the ideal choice to take the last shot: Iguodala or Curry?
“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 proclaimed. “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.”
The last shot, who would you rather have taking it: Andre Iguodala or Steph Curry?@maxkellerman: pic.twitter.com/Dcb3yjhZ6v
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 3, 2019
Even six years later, with Iguodala’s jersey now hanging in the rafters, Max Kellerman’s bold assertion clearly hasn’t been forgotten by the Golden State Warriors.
