Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks: Who Has the Edge?
By Mike Dill
Dec. 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) shoots as New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Small Forward
Warriors: Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes
Knicks: Carmelo Anthony, Metta World Peace, C.J. Leslie
Carmelo Anthony and Andre Iguodala are two of the best small forwards in the NBA. Anthony is quite possibly the best scorer in the league, although Kevin Durant might disagree. Iguodala is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and can be a swiss army knife for a team – helping out wherever he is needed.
Iguodala is definitely the more well-rounded player, but he isn’t necessarily the better player. His offensive game is effective – he can get points when he needs to – but it isn’t anything compared to Anthony on the offensive end.
On defense, Iguodala definitely has the advantage. Carmelo can only be described as lazy on defense. He has great size and is more athletic than people think, but he isn’t willing to use that athleticism on both sides of the ball.
Iguodala is by far the superior passer of the two, but Anthony is the better rebounder. Iguodala does everything well, but he still doesn’t seem to be as good as Carmelo Anthony is. Sometimes statistics don’t tell the whole story. One might look at the stats and choose Iguodala over Anthony due to his versatility, but that simply isn’t enough.
Carmelo Anthony has an offensive game that Iguodala could never come close to. Although he is disappointing on the defensive end, he is still a player you can build a team around. Iguodala had his own team in Philadelphia, but he couldn’t carry it in the way Carmelo can. Iguodala probably fits better as a compliment to another player. That’s why his role on the Warriors should be good for him and for the team.