Golden State Warriors: Andre Iguodala has been oddly crucial to team success

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors made a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on November 05, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors made a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on November 05, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have lost two of their last three games.

It’s been somewhat painful seeing the team go into Arizona and take a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns, a team that was missed Devin Booker for much of the game. The Warriors then brought the Suns to the Chase Center and put a beatdown on them.

Andre Iguodala was signed by the Golden State Warriors this past offseason. The veteran forward has been incredibly crucial to the team’s success.

Following that, they had what many would consider a trap game, losing to the Spurs at home. 3 of their 4 losses have now been at home and 2 of them have been without veteran Andre Iguodala.

Iggy was brought back this offseason after playing for the Golden State Warriors earlier in his career, obtaining his most-prestigious accolade, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, with the Dubs. He was with them for all three of their NBA Championships.

His return to the Warriors has been huge for the team, giving them a viable bench threat that couples as a mentor for younger players.

Iggy has the team’s second-best net rating, only losing out to Gary Payton II. Given that he has played over 20 minutes per game in 12 games, the sample size is there for that net rating to be highly impressive.

The Warriors are 22.1 points per 100 possessions better than their opponents with Iggy on the court and are significantly better with him on the court than off. He’s just been that good and just understands where to be and how to play with the other stars on this team.

Despite shooting under 42% from the field and under 22% from deep, Iggy has maintained his importance by being a great defender and showcasing an ability to impact the game without shooting efficiently.

At 6.5, Iggy is averaging a career-high 6.5 assists per 36 minutes. He, in some aspects, has been the point guard for the second unit, a huge gaping hole the Warriors have when he’s not on the court or available.

The Warriors then have to substitute a player like Chris Chiozza in with Iggy out for an indefinite amount of time. It’s hurting the Warriors’ second unit, but it’s more praise for Iggy than a knock on Chiozza.

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That said, fans should be eagerly awaiting his return from injury, which should be in the coming weeks.