Warriors training camp preview: Andre Iguodala
Warriors training camp preview:
In the buildup to the start of training camp Sept. 27, The
The fifth installment focuses on Andre Iguodala, whose importance to Golden State extends beyond the box score.
2015-16: 7.0 points, 3.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 26.6 minutes per game
An acrobatic scorer who toiled on underwhelming 76ers teams much of his career, he has evolved into an essential role player on the NBA’s most stacked roster.
A dozen seasons at the sport’s highest level took their toll, of course.
At 32, Iguodala has an achy back and a nagging hamstring injury.
A year after being named Finals MVP, Iguodala had his go-ahead layup attempt blocked by LeBron James late in the Warriors’ Game 7 loss to Cleveland.
Iguodala is still a major reason Golden State is favored to win its second NBA title in three seasons.
The consummate professional, he is a sounding board for younger teammates.
Though his scoring and playing time dipped last season, he upped his field-goal percentage, free-throw percentage, assists and rebounds.
Having another elite scorer on the team should free him up for plenty of wide-open shots.
When the Warriors employ the small-ball lineup of Iguodala, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, who is the player defenses will be least apt to zero in on?
Iguodala’s numbers could actually improve even though Golden State will be less dependent on his production.
Long tasked with matching up against one of the opponent’s best scorers, Iguodala will share that responsibility with the versatile former NBA MVP.