Golden State Warriors: Scouting Andre Iguodala’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Jan 23, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) controls the ball during the fourth quarter as Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors made a huge splash in the free agency by signing former Denver Nugget Andre Iguodala. It was a surprise to many fans as they were anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. The Warriors were able to land Iguodala after trading away draft picks and expiring contracts to the Utah Jazz.

After any major transaction, fans scramble to YouTube to pull up videos to see to critique on whether their club made the right decision or not. To give you a simple answer, the Warriors hit a home run with this acquisition. How much of an impact can Iguodala have on the Warriors’ offense?

In 2012, Iguodala was selected to his first All-Star game, when he was a part of the Philadelphia Sixers. The common NBA fan, more specifically Warriors fans, got a glimpse of how good he is during the playoff series against the Nuggets. Iguodala is a well-rounded scorer. His scoring ability ranges from penetrating to the basket to shooting.

January 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala (left) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the second half at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-118 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Penetration is his primary way of scoring the ball. Iguodala has a quick first step that easily gets him to the basket, and hoing against bigger defenders is no problem either. His strength and agility can get him around or through players who are in his way. With his elite athleticism and finishing ability, he can become unstoppable in the open floor.

Iguodala’s ability to get to the basket attracts a lot of attention from defenders off the ball, especially the perimeter defenders. The most underrated aspect of his game is his ability to find open players. Throughout his career, Iguodala has averaged 4.9 assists per game. In 2010, he had a career-high average of 6.3 assists per game. With shooters lined up along the three-point arc, Iguodala can create open shots for his teammates.

Shooting is a secondary option to Iguodala’s game. Although he shoots only 32.9 percent from beyond the arc, his three-point shooting can be deadly when left open. With his performance in the playoffs this past season, Iguodala showed that his outside shooting is improving. His three-point percentage was at 48.3 percent in the Nuggets-Warriors series.

However, his shooting may not be necessary until the end of the game. Iguodala is a terrific clutch shooter. During close games, the Warriors would have another player on the floor who can knock down big shots for them.

With the signing of Iguodala, the Warriors are able to fill a couple of holes to their roster. They got a scorer who can get into the lane with ease and, more importantly, a potential playmaker.