… [a] candid fresh memoir … The Sixth Man…is a deeply personal look at Iguodala’s life growing up in Springfield, Ill., with his single mother and brother, who he says taught him how to be a defender early on. In reflective, conversational prose, Iguodala recounts his early awareness of segregation and racism, the strength and influence of the mighty women in his life (and later, coaches), and his gradual realization of how to best harness his intelligence, ambition and drive. The book is filled with anecdotes about players Iguodala idolized—and would later play against—as well as the turning points in his professional basketball career, including being drafted at 19 while still a student at the University of Arizona … but it’s his stint with the Warriors that will naturally draw the most interest. Iguodala is truthful about team culture; how the Warriors’ ascendance to champion status turned the media ‘sideshow’ into a ‘circus;’ combating the physical pressure on his body; dealing with hostile fans and officials—but also the joy in playing with a top-notch team.
