The Golden State Warriors will truly feel the weight of losing Andre Iguodala next season when the pressure ramps up.
Andre Iguodala is already proving his worth for the Miami Heat and it’s becoming clear the Golden State Warriors are going to miss his veteran presence next season.
Iggy spent six seasons with the Dubs, won three championships and was crowned the 2015 NBA Finals MVP. The two-time All-Defensive member helped propel the Warriors to the top of the mountain top and served as a reliable role player for all of their title runs.
Sadly, the Dubs had no other choice but to trade Iguodala last summer in order to clear cap space and orchestrate a sign-and-trade to acquire D’Angelo Russell. This move was tough but necessary to keep the dynasty alive.
Though the dynasty is currently on life support, the Warriors still believe they will be one of the top teams in the Western Conference next season with a fully healthy squad. A core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will be enough to make them a contending team.
However, the Warriors are operating with more inexperience than ever before. Rotational players such as Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss have never won a playoff series. Aside from Wiggins, none of them have ever even competed in a playoff series.
This is a problem that will show itself at the worst times next year if the Dubs are unable to add more veteran talent. Even if they do acquire new veterans, it will be tough to replace the savvy presence of Iguodala.
Iggy’s athleticism has declined in recent years and his shooting ability has nearly disappeared, but there was no question that the Warriors could trust him in crucial moments.
The Warriors are going to miss having a player as reliable as Iguodala on their bench and it’s going to show next season if they are unable to replace him.