What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

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Miami Heat: The lasting effects of Andre Iguodala

It’s been the smallest of sample sizes — 64 minutes across three games — but Andre Iguodala’s impact can already be felt on a Miami Heat team looking to assert itself out east.

The Heat are a plus-12.6 with Iguodala on the court, 7.4 points better on offense and 5.2 points at the defensive end. He’s also canning 42.9 percent of his 2.3 3-point attempts per game, a figure that would be a career-high for the 15th-year veteran if it holds.

Having contributed to three championships across five Finals runs in Golden State, we know what Iguodala brings to the table. Even at 36 years of age, his absence from the NBA seems to have done him well.

Iguodala’s wingspan and IQ are sure to do wonders for the 14th-ranked defense while providing sound ball movement on a team that only makes the 19th-most passes per game. He’ll take defensive pressure off Jimmy Butler as someone who can guard opposing wings and bring the unnoticed contributions that tend to help pull out victories.

Miami is a team no Eastern Conference foe wants to go through come playoff time. If Iguodala is who he’s been for the last five years, that sentiment will only grow larger.