Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr shows immense trust in veteran despite long absence

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors argues with official Matt Myers #43 after Iguodala was ejected from the game after a second technical foul was called on him against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors argues with official Matt Myers #43 after Iguodala was ejected from the game after a second technical foul was called on him against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Stephen Curry may have headlined the returnees for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, but the matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers also saw veteran Andre Iguodala back and active after a long stint on the sidelines.

The 39-year-old played over 14 minutes in his return, having only participated in three games this season, the last of which came on January 13 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Andre Iguodala may have spent almost the whole season on the sidelines, but Steve Kerr’s trust in him was on show in the Golden State Warriors’ loss on Sunday.

While the box score may display just two assists for Iguodala, the four-time champion was a significant part of a second-quarter comeback for Golden State who saw themselves down 20 less than eight minutes into the game. Iguodala’s +14 plus/minus in the first-half was second on the Warriors, showing he could still be a helpful defender and ball mover despite a complete lack of scoring threat.

Andre Iguodala made his return to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Andre Iguodala made his return to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The most notable aspect though was head coach Steve Kerr turning to Iguodala in the closing moments as Golden State tried to complete a sixth-straight win. He was subbed in for Anthony Lamb with 1:45 left in the game and the Warriors down two.

On the very first possession he found himself on Laker star Anthony Davis, who at that point had poured in 35 points in a dominant performance. After Iguodala fought for position, Davis eventually got the ball in the post, faced up, and then drew a foul on the wily veteran before knocking down two crucial free-throws.

After Curry missed a three on the next play, Davis came down and knocked down another shot to give him 39 and force a timeout from Kerr. Down six with 48 seconds remaining and needing offense, Iguodala was subbed out for Jordan Poole.

Next. “I felt great” – ‘Disciplined’ Curry makes successful return to Golden State Warriors’ lineup. dark

The fact Iguodala saw the floor in that situation was surprising given his long absence, but it just goes to show the standing he still holds within Kerr and fellow veteran players. If Golden State wanted a stop, would Jonathan Kuminga have been a better option? Maybe, yet it displays that Iguodala’s experience is valued not only off the floor, but still from an on-court standpoint as well.

Home/Warriors News