Pop quiz: Which Warriors player propels the team to its highest offensive rating when he plays?
Andre Iguodala is the forgotten man in the Warriors’ 23-0 start
It’s easy to forget about Dre, but his versatility on both ends is a big reason the Warriors are dominating.
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If not for the dead giveaway in the picture, Stephen Curry would be the first guess. He's the reigning MVP and the engine that makes the Warriors' league-best offense go. He may even be an alien. Or perhaps a wizard.
And if Curry's the engine, then Draymond Green is the oil that allows him to run at full capacity. Surely he'd be the next guess. Klay Thompson is the extra gear, so maybe some would pick him.
The last Warriors player most would pick is Andre Iguodala. And yet, there he is at the top of this list (albeit barely), as the Warriors are scoring 118.8 points per 100 possessions when the 31-year-old vet with the crooked jumper plays. That mark is tops in the league among players who see the court for more than four minutes per game.
The Warriors’ convincing 131-123 win in Indiana on Tuesday provided myriad examples for Iguodala’s offensive importance. Iguodala attempted just five shots, but still managed to leave an imprint all over the court.
There were his five assists, each of which led to a Warriors three-pointer. Passing to marksmen like Curry and Thompson will naturally bump up an assist total, but Iguodala is always searching for those players and delivering on-target passes at the right time instead of forcing shots himself.
Iguodala is always looking to make the extra pass. His willingness and desire to quickly and constantly move the ball helps the Warriors offense churn at full capacity. He sets strong screens and is adept at cutting off the ball. If given the opportunity, he can still get by defenders and soar through the air.
Andre Iguodala Skies for the Slam!! #NBA #Warriors pic.twitter.com/lDdryzBD4s
— All Sport News (@All_SportNews) December 9, 2015 While it wasn't on display against the Pacers, Iguodala's shooting beyond the arc has been the strongest element of his game this season. Gone is the player who opponents could leave open. He won't be joining the Splash Brothers anytime soon, but Iguodala has upped this three-point percentage to 44. Last year he connected on just 34 percent of his shots from deep.
He’s been especially good from the right wing and corner. This meshes perfectly with Draymond Green, who prefers to spot up left of the foul line.
Iguodala’s defensive brilliance is still there, too. He still possesses the solid man-to-man defense, the adroit understanding of when and how to slide when guarding off the ball and the ability to pick an opponents’ pocket or get his hands on an incoming pass. Iguodala had five steals Tuesday night and is averaging nearly two a game despite playing fewer than 28 minutes per night.
Iguodala’s odometer has some miles on it, but he can still stick with the game’s quickest and most dangerous perimeter players. If need be, he can switch onto a big man or a point guard. Green’s versatility rightfully gets all the praise, but if it weren’t for Iguodala, the Warriors’ cheat code lineup wouldn’t be as effective.
His personality is a perfect fit for the team, too. He takes just six shots a night, but still accepts his role on the team. Not many former All-Stars would handle that role the same way. Sometimes it even appears that Iguodala prefers his teammates get the glory.
It's not often the reigning Finals MVP gets overlooked, especially when his team opens the following season on one of the hottest streaks the league has ever seen. But being overlooked is precisely the reason Iguodala was able to hoist that award in the first place. The Cavaliers made a bet last June that he couldn't beat them, and they bet wrong. Opponents this year are issuing the same dare and the results haven't changed.
Andre Iguodala is helping the Warriors win games. He may not be the primary reason they’re now 23-0, but he’s certainly a major one.
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