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After two seasons with the Miami Heat, Andre Iguodala made the decision to return to the Golden State Warriors, where he eventually plans on ending his career. The 2015 NBA Finals MVP was recently part of the Miami Heat squad that was defeated by the Lakers in the bubble finals, which marked his sixth Finals appearance.
Andre Iguodala was originally drafted by Philadelphia 76ers as the ninth overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, and has since led an illustrious 17-year career across teams like Philadelphia, Denver, Golden State and Miami. His career numbers stand at 11.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.45 steals, in a grand total of 1,192 games (784 starts).
Andre Iguodala's signing with the Golden State Warriors has been considered nothing more than a homecoming event to end things full circle. But the fact that he can still be a valuable asset to any NBA lineup is being drastically overlooked.
With Klay Thompson coming back next season and Stephen Curry rolling like he just did, Iggy could be the difference maker for the Golden State Warriors. Let's dive deeper and point out three major ways in which Andre Iguodala can heavily impact the Golden State Warriors' title hopes during the upcoming season.
#1 Andre Iguodala knows knows how to play the Golden State Warriors brand of basketball
Andre Iguodala is revered and loved by Curry, Thompson and Green, and knows the Warriors' system inside out. Citing the Golden State Warriors' underwhelming showing this past season despite Curry's fireworks, the Dubs are in serious need of someone who is as intuitive at making Steve Kerr-styled plays as Iggy.
He knows how to utilize the greatest shooters in the world as well as space the floor out with his streaking three-ball and flashy handles. He can be a problem in transition, with Curry and Thompson running the flanks.
He is always looking to make extra passes to get his team the best shot available on the floor. And when push comes to shove, his perimeter shooting has always stepped up. All of this is exactly the kind of extra fuel that the Golden State Warriors need in order to get back to where they belong.
#2 Andre Iguodala's veteran presence and playoff exposure cannot be explained via statistics
Andre Iduodala is set to make his return to the Golden State Warriors, a franchise desperate to regain its lost glory.
To put things into perspective, the Golden State Warriors have recently reinforced their young core with center James Wiseman (drafted second overall last year), along with Kuminga and Moses Moody, picked in this year's draft lottery. Andre Iguodala has vouched to be that veteran presence for these young guns, and will surely inculcate the proper approach across the table.
Last season was the first time in seven years that the former Golden State Warriors champ missed out on the NBA Finals. This level of playoff expertise is rarely seen across the league. One can only imagine how his postseason IQ will elevate the Warriors deep into the season.
Although the 37-year-old might not be as springy as his younger self, he can still actuate momentum-shifting possessions down the stretch. And such crucial plays are what turn a playoff series around on its head.
#3 Iggy's elite defensive presence will be instrumental for Golden State Warriors' title hopes
Andre Iguodala is a former NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014) member, and his defensive prowess has been consistent over the years. Be it LeBron James, Damian Lillard or James Harden, Iggy's 6-foot-11 wingspan coupled with elite agility makes him highly qualified to guard the opponent's best player.
Some of Andre Iguodala's defensive stops down the stretch are all highlight plays from the Golden State Warriors' last three title runs. His impeccable expertise at stripping the ball without causing any arm contact whatsoever has often been pivotal for his team in crunch situations.
Andre Iguodala's career numbers sit at 1.5 steals per game, with a defensive rating of 109.6 in his most recent season. However, the stats don't shed any light on his ability to switch on ball-screens liberally, help at the basket and recover, and use active limbs without fouling, all of which constitute to his singular defensive brilliance.
Guess the Lakers players!
