Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking The NBA’s Top Glue Guys

By Jon Shames

November 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Mar 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) plays defense against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Warriors 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) plays defense against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Warriors 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2.) Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala has, for a long time, been the most underrated player in the NBA.

Signed by Golden State in the summer of 2013, Iguodala has quietly embodied all of the characteristics that make his Warriors team so great. He is selfless, easy-going, committed to the team effort, and most importantly, a multi-use guy who brings value in every aspect of the game.

The reigning Finals MVP is posting modest averages of 7.4 points, 3.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds in his 27.1 minutes per game, but with Iggy, the basic numbers don’t even begin to scratch the surface of his impact.

His net rating of 14.6 is about 1.5 times that of LeBron James. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.82 is fantastic for a small forward, and is, once again, better than that of the King. He sports an effective field goal percentage of 55.6, better than that of both James and Chris Paul.

The Warriors use Iguodala off the bench, but he can often be found in the Warriors end-of-game lineups (you know, if/when it’s close). He can play four positions, and thrives as a point forward alongside Stephen Curry. Iguodala knows how to feed the hot hand, which more often than not is the reigning MVP.

Iguodala has shown an impressive ability to quarterback the Dubs’ offense, despite his low usage rate of just 12.2 percent.

But, Iguodala’s offensive impact — as recognizable as it is — is dwarfed by his stellar defense. By holding the King to 18-of-54 shooting in the Finals (as the primary defender), Iguodala rightfully earned his title as a “LeBron stopper.” His discipline on that end of the court, coupled with his absurd length and athleticism, has allowed him to remain an elite defender throughout his career.

It’s criminal that his stopping ability doesn’t receive more attention.

Iggy has willingly taken a pay cut and a backseat to win with Golden State, and after taking home the Finals MVP honors, he likely has no regrets. If this Warriors team becomes a dynasty, Stephen Curry will certainly be at the center of it. But, quietly shoring up every aspect of the game that isn’t scoring will be Iguodala.

Well, Iguodala and, of course, his fellow utility man in the frontcourt:

Next: No. 1: Draymond Green