Andre Iguodala heading to the Wolves?
Andre Iguodala is an upcoming free agent and Minnesota would be wise to make a run at the veteran player.
The Cleveland Cavaliers had 12.9 seconds to tie up a pivotal Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors. Down 116-113, they needed a 3-point shot from the world’s best player, Lebron James. In response, the Warriors countered with their big four of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, but it was sixth man specialist Andre Iguodala who was tasked with defending King James in the closing moments.
The result was beautiful, as Iguodala stripped the game’s top player before he could throw up a shot. The strip ended in a Cavs turnover and sealed a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals for the Warriors. Here’s the video of Iguodala’s nifty strip of James:
While most saw Iguodala’s strip as the game-sealing play, I saw it as the play that showed exactly who the Minnesota Timberwolves need to target heading into the offseason. The man otherwise known as Iggy.
In fact, the idea of the Timberwolves pursuing the veteran, defensive specialist isn’t far-fetched. ESPN reporters Ramona Shelburne and Chris Haynes wrote that the Timberwolves are indeed planning to do so once the free agency period starts.
I know what you are thinking: why would the Warriors’ sixth-man head to Minnesota to play with an unproven squad? Not to mention, the Warriors, pending an epic collapse, are heading towards lifting their second title in three years. Why wouldn’t he want to continue being part of a legitimate dynasty for years to come?
Well, money talks, folks.
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At age 33, Iguodala likely has one more chance to cash in big as a free agent. With the Warriors needing to lock up Durant, Curry and Thompson, they either won’t have the space to accommodate Iggy or have to give him a contract far below his market value.
On the contrary, the Timberwolves look to have around 30 million in cap space heading into free agency. That would be more than enough to give Iguodala a nice chunk of change.
While Iggy’s best years are behind him, he is still a very capable defender with the ability to knock down shots and play big minutes. This season, Iggy averaged 25.7 minutes off the bench with averages of 7.6 points, 3.4 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal per game. Per 48 minutes, he has averages of 13.8 points, 6.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals, very solid for a bench player.
For the Wolves, Iguodala could even start, providing a solid defensive presence in the lineup. Then, Coach Tom Thibodeau would have a strong scoring option off the bench in the young, promising Zach Lavine. Additionally, Iggy can help players like Andrew Wiggins and Lavine become better perimeter defenders. He also could give the Wolves the veteran leadership they’ve lacked the last few years.
They could even put Iguodala on the court in a small ball lineup with Ricky Rubio/Kris Dunn, Lavine, Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns to create mismatches, as he’s done with the Warriors.
Finally, Thibodeau’s system of play calls for strong defensive play and signing Iguodala gives the coach a reliable, consistent veteran that’s willing to play hard on the defensive end. In his career, he has made two All-Defensive Teams, including first team in 2014.
With rumors that Durant could take less money to keep Iguodala and other Warriors, Iggy may not be available. But, if the veteran is looking to make one last large paycheck, while playing with a strong young core, Minnesota could be the perfect place for Iggy to finish out his career.
Next: Wolves should sell high on Ricky Rubio
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