The Sixth Man: A Memoir

Respect, responsibility, cooperation, proactivity, determination, appreciation, tireless energy, learning mindset, self-control, and humility. These are just a few things that Andre Iguadala learned as a child growing up in Springfield, IL. These characteristics were developed under the caring, watchful eyes of a grandmother, a mother, and youth basketball coaches. Andre’s older brother would serve as a sometimes, positive role model, sometimes heckling adversary, and always supporter of his little brother’s efforts! Having been a leadership development trainer for teams and individuals for a large electric utility for eight years and an appreciative reader of some superb books on the subjects of individual and team development, I say that the first two chapters of The Sixth Man were worth the purchase of the book. It is these chapters that illustrate how important environments are in the healthy development of individuals, and how important parental leadership is to ensure that youngsters grow up as respectful, responsible, family members. The chapters also demonstrate how Andre’s thinking, perspectives, and behavior served him well early on and throughout his adult life. The book was simply difficult to put down. I happened to be on vacation on the oceanfront in South Carolina. My wife and I were part of a family gathering, and we were rooming with my wife’s oldest brother and wife. He’s an ardent basketball fan, of UNC no less, and he had recently watched the 2019 NBA Finals that featured the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors. He was an Iguadala fan, so I’d share highlights from the text, and we’d discuss them. We did this a number of times. My laptop was left at home, so I could dedicate serious Kindle reading time to the book. Andre presents reasoned positions on race and how blacks need to be in order to be accepted by white authority figures (teachers, the police, business persons, etc.). He offers insights on how the NCAA seems to be using talented athletes to enrich their own financial coffers. He shares many special, positive personal relationships that he has had with teammates during his tenure in the NBA. There is just so much respect, admiration, appreciation, and caring in his descriptions of teammates like Allen Iverson, Elton Brand, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and others. As a veteran, he describes how he has tried to advise younger players in the NBA how to survive all the craziness and survive as a happy, successful player and teammate. While Andre talks so respectfully and appreciatively of others, it is he who deserves that same respect! Andre exhibits all of the characteristics that Daniel Goleman describes in his book, Emotional Intelligence: self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy, and social awareness. The book is extremely well written. If I were an eighth grade English teacher, I would make it required reading for my classes. Hmm, I might even buy a classroom set! I have just received my new 2018 Warriors NBA Champions. It features a number 9 on the front and the name, Iguadala, on the back! Finally, I was glad to hear that Andre’s son had recently addended a Duke University summer basketball camp! It is with much enthusiasm that I recommend the book for purchase and thank Andre very much for sharing his life and perspectives with us. Bill Parker Little River, SC USE: I added this to my list of resources to share with individuals who might benefit from the material. I captured most of chapters 1 and 2 for use as print documents.

Recently in my 11th grade English class we were tasked with picking and reading a memoir in a 2 week span. I had never read a memoir before and was curious how the style of a book like this would differ from the other books I've read. I can say without a doubt that Andre Iguodala was able to create a story that was able to personify something great. I decided to read the book The Sixth Man by Andre Iguodala with Carvell Wallace. The book begins with Andre in his elementary school and ultimately progresses until his eventual rise of stardom and riches in his NBA career. Throughout the book we see glimpses of the difficulties Iguodala faces throughout most of his life whether that being crooked agents, bad coaches, or even flat out racism. All these ideas help show the human side of athletes that normal people like myself tend to lose track of with them being in this realm of great power and influence. Igualada is able to express these ideas in a relatable way that reveals how he deals with problems like any normal person. One aspect I love with Iguadola’s story is the professional attitude and respect he has for his teammates throughout his playing career. He often demonstrates this by recalling a lesson they taught him or how their positive attitude affected his life in a better way. These lessons often came in the form of his reverence for black culture, his career longevity, his mental health, and demonstrated why Andre has such great respect for the people along the way who contributed to his life. I believe that the messages conveyed by Iguadola throughout this book are expressed beautifully and professionally by both himself and Carvell Wallace. The overall themes and ideas present feel as though they can resonate with young men across the world. To conclude this book is a great read for anyone who enjoys basketball or a good story about the triumphs and tribulations of a black man who made it big time.

As a fairly new follower of the NBA and in particular the Miami Heat, I learned of this book on a podcast that Andre Iguodala featured on with teammate Duncan Robinson. I found it a terrific insight into what it’s like to make your way through the ranks and the pressures and dedication it takes to make the grade. Iguodala himself comes across as extremely intelligent and the book is thought provoking and keeps the reader interested from start to finish.

Chegou em excelente estado, muito bem embalado e no prazo

A book describing both the joy and the grind of a pro athlete. Also, an insight into the mind of a black man in America. Hard to put the book down until I read it all.

I am not your typical reader, but I was force reading with just few pages in.

Good read and insight's into the game, the player, the person.