Golden State Warriors: Veteran Leadership
Andre Iguodala
Another former All-Star coming off the bench for the Warriors. Andre Iguodala is an athletic wing defender that does a little bit of everything. Before this season, Iguodala had started every single one of his 758 career games. Starting as a rookie for the Philadelphia 76ers playing alongside Allen Iverson and continuing all the way until this season.
Iguodala has been asked about coming off the bench. His response may not be quite as glowing as Lee’s, but the heart of it is the same.
From Rusty Simmons for the San Fransisco Chronicle,
“I’ve been in the league for a really long time, and there a lot of stories about anything and little things,” Iguodala said. “If my shoes are tied the wrong way, that can become a story. I’m trying not to make (coming off the bench) a story this year, and I’m trying to win a championship.”
Iguodala’s willingness to accept a reserve role has allowed coach Steve Kerr to start Harrison Barnes. Barnes flashed potential in a starting role his rookie year. He then came off the bench during his second year and struggled, shooting 39.9 percent from the floor and 34.7 percent from three.
This year, Barnes has responded to the opportunity to start by shooting 49.9 percent from the floor and 43.2 percent from three, averaging 10.3 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds, per Basketball-Reference.com.
Meanwhile, Iguodala has struggled to find his rhythm coming off the bench. He’s shooting a career-low in field goal percentage 43.9 and averaging career-lows in minutes (26.7), points (6.9), rebounds (3.1) and assists (2.9). Even per 36 minutes he’s averaging career lows in points (9.2) and rebounds (4.2), according to Basketball-Reference.com.
Kerr has mentioned Iguodala’s struggles adjusting to a reserve role.
From Leung,
“I think Andre is trying to find his role, and we’re trying to help him find it, but it’s not easy for a guy who’s spent his entire career starting. I’ve asked him to come off the bench, and he’s accepted it. He’s been great (about it). But I know it’s not easy, and I know tonight was a very frustrating night for him. And I’ve been there as a player. I understand what he’s feeling, and it’s tough. But you’ve got to bounce back.”
Iguodala has show flashes of his all-around game and he still has a high level of athleticism when he gets out in transition as seen below.
It just hasn’t happened as often as before. Iguodala’s improvement on the offensive end may be one of the few areas the Warriors could improve.
The aspect of Iguodala’s game that has not dropped off is his defense. According to NBA.com, he is holding opposing players to 40.6 percent shooting, three percent lower than their total average. He and Draymond Green are probably their best wing defenders, though Thompson is very good in his own right.
Iguodala’s team-centered attitude is even more impressive than Lee’s considering the changes he has faced this year and his struggles adapting offensively. If Iguodala can find his rhythm as a point-forward, the Warrior’s bench might be able to stamp it’s case as the “best bench in the NBA.”
A number can’t be put on his willingness to accept a bench role and the leadership that action demonstrates.
Next: Andrew Bogut