Golden State Warriors: Why Andre Iguodala Is the Perfect Acquisition

Apr 14, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the second half against the Portland Trailblazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 118-109. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, free agent small forward Andre Iguodala signed a 4-year deal worth $48 million to play for the Golden State Warriors. While at the time of the signing, many thought it would be a factor in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes — ultimately won by the Houston Rockets —  it seemed to be forgotten the value that Iguodala will bring to the team by the bay.

MONEY I am sure that salary caps and player contracts are the last thing any Warrior fan wants to talk talk about after a day like today, but it can’t be ignored. Iguodola is not receiving the $88 million that it would take to get Dwight Howard, but can have a just as large effect if used wisely. The Warriors salary relief seems to make them potentially aggressive suitors for an impact player in the 2014 free agency period.

ENERGY Iguodala brings a lot of speed and intensity to the floor, giving the Warriors a player who can finish with authority on the fastbreak. His size and athleticism fits in nicely with Golden State’s fast pace of play, a role he thrived in with Denver.

VERSATILITY A key factor in the signing of Iguodala is his ability to play different positions on the floor. Depending on the lineup out on the court, Iguodala can play all positions on the perimeter and be able to play the point when necessary. And if the Warriors want to go real small, Iguodala could even be the “center”.

SHUTDOWN DEFENDER As shown throughout some of the Warriors first round series against the Nuggets, Iguodala has the ability to play the role of slowing down the opposing teams top offensive player. Iguodala is tall, strong, not afraid of contact down low, and can move quickly on his feet.

GET THE SPLASH BROS OPEN Iguodala is aggressive and confident with the ball in his hands. He likes to take the ball to the hoop.

Surely, a player like Iguodala will draw extra defenders if he gets into the key, thus drawing defenders down low, in which he can dump it off to Lee and Bogut for an easy two.

He can also draw the attention of those guarding the Splash Brothers of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, and give them even more daylight from behind the arc.

There it is, the reasons why it seems like Andre Iguodala, if he knows his role, can help make this Warriors team serious contenders.