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I was 12, sitting in my living room, watching the Warriors take on the Suns in the 1989 playoffs. Chris Mullin was my guy—smooth jumper, effortless style. But even as a kid, I could see this team wasn’t built to last. When they lost, it stung, but deep down, I knew why. They had talent but no foundation. That cycle—brief excitement followed by mediocrity—would define the Warriors for decades.

Until 2010.

That was the year Joe Lacob and Peter Guber bought the team, not just to win, but to build something that could sustain success. They weren’t thinking season to season; they were thinking legacy. Like great startup founders, they focused on talent acquisition, culture, and long-term sustainability. Every move was calculated—drafting Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green; hiring Steve Kerr to unlock their potential; signing veterans like Andre Iguodala who understood winning; and finally, making the boldest move of all: landing Kevin Durant in free agency.

The Warriors' rise isn’t just a basketball story—it’s a masterclass in team-building, leadership, and scaling without losing culture.

But no player represented the Warriors' culture more than Andre Iguodala. He was the selfless leader, the glue that held the team together, and the perfect example of why culture—not just talent—drives long-term success. His impact holds valuable lessons for anyone building a business.

Every successful startup begins with assembling the right team. For the Warriors, that meant drafting Stephen Curry in 2009, Klay Thompson in 2011, and Draymond Green in 2012. Each had unique skills, but they created a system that changed basketball together.

Startups face the same challenge. Early hires shape culture, and the best leaders don’t just look for individual talent—they look for people who fit the vision. Curry brought generational shooting, Thompson added elite defense and consistency, and Green brought emotional intensity and leadership. Together, they laid the foundation for something bigger than themselves.

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Talent alone doesn’t build a dynasty—culture does. The Warriors initially hired Mark Jackson to instill confidence and toughness, and he succeeded in shifting the team’s mindset. But his leadership had limitations, and the front office made the tough call to replace him with Steve Kerr.

Kerr wasn’t just a new coach; he was a system builder. He introduced a culture of unselfishness, ball movement, and adaptability. He empowered players to take ownership of their roles, creating a team that could sustain success beyond any one star.

Andre Iguodala was a former All-Star, a player who could have demanded a starring role elsewhere. Instead, he sacrificed for the greater good, coming off the bench to provide leadership, defense, and playmaking. His decision set the tone for the Warriors' culture—where winning mattered more than individual accolades.

Unsurprisingly, Iguodala, who released his memoir The Sixth Man in 2019, is now retired, with his number 9 hanging in the rafters of Chase Center in San Francisco. His story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about embracing a role, leading from any position, and understanding that success isn’t about being the face of the organization but about improving the team.

In tech, this is the equivalent of hiring experienced operators who don’t chase titles but focus on execution. Every great startup needs leaders like Iguodala, who prioritize team success over personal recognition. They differ between a company that flames out after early success and one that builds a lasting legacy.

His unselfishness paid off. In 2015, he became the first player in NBA history to win Finals MVP as a sixth man, proving that impact matters more than status.

In 2016, the Warriors made a move that could have shattered their identity: signing Kevin Durant. They had already won a title, already built a winning system, and now they were adding a superstar. Moves like this often backfire in business—new leadership or a star hire disrupts what made a company successful in the first place.

But because the Warriors had built their foundation on unselfishness and adaptability, they scaled without losing their culture. Iguodala played a key role in making that transition seamless, proving that exemplary leadership can absorb even the biggest changes.

For startups, the lesson is clear: Scaling successfully isn’t just about adding talent; it’s about maintaining the culture that made you successful in the first place.

Like any business, the Warriors had to balance growth with sustainability. The NBA’s salary cap worked like a startup’s burn rate: Overspending could jeopardize the future. The Warriors made shrewd free-agent signings while knowing when to let players go.

Tech companies face the same challenge. Aggressive spending may be necessary early on, but long-term success requires financial discipline. The Warriors' ability to maintain their core while managing costs is a lesson in smart business strategy.

Before the Warriors became a dynasty, they had one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. Oracle Arena was packed even in losing seasons. When the team moved to Chase Center, some longtime fans felt left behind—a challenge many growing companies face.

The best businesses find ways to scale without alienating their early believers. Growth should never come at the expense of those who initially supported you.

With Iguodala’s number 9 jersey now retired, his legacy is clear. He wasn’t the team’s brightest star, but he was its backbone—the leader who made everything click. In startups, success isn’t just about the visionary CEO or top engineers. It depends on selfless, adaptable leaders who unify teams, elevate others, and sustain the culture when challenges arise.

Have you found your Andre for your startup? If not, don’t fret—he or she is out there. And when you find them, they’ll be the difference between fleeting success and a dynasty.

P.S. Stay with me on this journey. 

xoxo,

Maximillian Diez, GP, Twenty Five Ventures

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