Nov. 3, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 119-116. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest news for the Golden State Warriors on Friday was the signing of Andre Iguodala, one of the best free agents that the market has to offer.
The Warriors were able to get him for a multi-year deal at four years and $48 million dollars. That’s a pretty long time, considering the Warriors have all the young players that could use some veteran experience. Iguodala could be that person to provide some leadership.
Now that the signing is official and Iguodala is happy about it, the Warriors can get to work in the offseason knowing that they’re not going to make any more huge moves. Now, they have a little bit more confidence.
Here’s a short list of pros and cons of the Iguodala signing:
Pros:
1. He’s Versatile:
Whether it’s rebounding, defending, scoring, getting steals, assisting, or handle the ball, Iguodala can do it all. He’s the “Swiss army knife” who the Warriors need to tie things together.
2. He Can Defend:
Other than Klay Thompson, the Warriors really had no perimeter defenders who could defend in the crunch time. That’s the problem: they need more than one. In crunch time, guys like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker will hurt you. Thompson can’t guard them both, can he?
3. He’s A Closer:
The Warriors have really struggled with finishing games out in the final minutes. Iguodala actually led that run that almost cost the Warriors in Game 6 of the quarterfinals. He can close out games, and that’s what the Warriors are really looking for. He plays all his normal roles down the stretch, which not many other guys in the league can do.
Cons:
1. Stifles Harrison Barnes:
For the most part, the Warriors made a good decision in signing him, but there are obviously some cons to the signing.
First of all, it stifles Harrison Barnes’ growth as he tries to blossom into a better player. He averaged an incredible 16.2 PPG in the playoffs as a rookie, something no one else did this year. He was the only lottery pick to go to the playoffs, and he was very good.
Now that the Warriors have Iguodala to do their small forward business, Barnes will have to assume a bench role.
2. Takes Away Opportunity:
Other than Barnes, players who have similar styles to Igoudala like Klay Thompson are also stifled in their growth.
Thompson may still get to be on the floor with the starters, but he’s likely to be the first one out of the game when Barnes is subbed in as the sixth man.
This signing has a negative effect on the Warriors’ young guns.