Andre Iguodala a welcome sight for Steve Kerr and Golden State Warriors despite loss
Golden State Warriors veteran Andre Iguodala made his long-awaited season debut in Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, playing 12 minutes in the team’s disappointing 115-111 loss.
The 38-year-old had previously announced his comeback on the Point Forward podcast. “Well, it’s Point Forward Friday,” Iguodala said, speaking with co-host Evan Turner. “We got twenty-four hours ’til I step on the court, man. It’s a go.”
Iguodala went on to say, “hope the fan base is excited. I’m a little nervous, but actually, I’m also excited. I try to play it cool, calm and collected all the time, but I’m excited to get there on the court. It’s finally happened. A lot of folks have been asking. Patience is a virtue, and now we’re here.”
With four championship rings and a finals MVP trophy, Andre Iguodala is a welcome sight for Steve Kerr and his depleted roster despite Saturday’s loss.
With Stephen Curry (left shoulder), Jonathan Kuminga (left foot sprain), James Wiseman (right foot sprain) and JaMychal Green (right leg infection) all sidelined, Steve Kerr needs all hands on deck as the Warriors crater with an even 20-20 record.
Iguodala had two rebounds and one assist in his 12 minutes against the Magic, though it’s unclear how many minutes Kerr will afford him in his usual second rotation. Assuming the four-time champion has anything left in the tank and can stay healthy, replacing some of Draymond Green’s minutes in the second unit could be a reasonable expectation.
The projected return for Curry is the first game after the homestand with a visit to San Antonio. James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and JaMychal Green will all be reevaluated next week and are expected to travel with the team.
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With the Dubs back towards full strength, the 2015 Finals MVP is expected to play a limited role coming off the bench with the expectations of providing stability to the second rotation. Curry convinced Iguodala to return for one last curtain call, and he may just have one more encore left.