The Golden State Warriors’ Andre Iguodala renaissance has been beautiful

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105 to 97 during Game Six of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105 to 97 during Game Six of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 16, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

After a two-season tenure with the Miami Heat, the 18-year veteran returned to the Golden State Warriors, a place in which he can refer to as home. It’s common knowledge that he is a natural leader, with a strong locker room presence.

Yet, on top of it, Andre is impacting the Warriors’ play like he hasn’t aged since getting traded.

Andre Iguodala is back in the Bay Area. And it feels like he has never left. The Golden State Warriors have clearly loved having him around.

Don’t get me wrong. Iggy had a meaningful output for the Heat. As an impactful substitute in a lockdown defender role, he was relevant to a young, crafty, unselfish team on their first trip to the NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble.

But Dub Iggy is just different. He’s naturally putting up sharp, savvy performances like he was still the reigning Finals MVP. The resurgence of Iguodala and the Warriors’ hot start are not coincidental facts.

Iguodala is historically the quintessential intangible player, which he became notably after his first year as a Warrior. After the 2013-2014 season, the former NBA All-Star shifted his role: he never averaged double digits in socring again.

He never shot more than six attempts a game again. Never averaged more than 30 minutes a night.  Yet, that was the best version of Andre Iguodala. Iggy became a cerebral role player, with a perfect feel for the game.