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Iguodala injury and Green suspension may hasten Golden State Warriors roster move

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Draymond Green #23 and Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors high-five each other after Lamb made a three-point shot against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter of the game at Chase Center on January 07, 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 07: Draymond Green #23 and Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors high-five each other after Lamb made a three-point shot against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter of the game at Chase Center on January 07, 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) /
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The Golden State Warriors’ shortened rotation took another major blow on Wednesday, with two veterans set to be absent for their next matchup against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Friday.

The franchise announced that Andre Iguodala would undergo surgery next week on a fractured left wrist sustained against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. It’s a bitter blow for the 39-year-old who’s decorated career may now be over from an on-court standpoint.

Things got worse for the Warriors during Wednesday’s loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, with Draymond Green called for his 16th technical foul late in a close first-half. It means the former Defensive Player of the Year will serve a one-game suspension against the Hawks.

Andre Iguodala’s injury and a suspension for Draymond Green may force the Golden State Warriors to hasten their decision on their vacant 15th roster spot.

The loss of Iguodala and Green adds to the absences of Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, leaving the Warriors completely bereft of experience, defense, and general player availability as we enter the pointy end of the regular season.

Draymond Green will serve a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th foul of the season in the Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Draymond Green will serve a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th foul of the season in the Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Holding a 36-34 record and still with a further four-straight road games to come, Golden State are yet to assure themselves of a play-in berth let alone a spot in the top six of the Western Conference. They currently hold sixth but are just a game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks.

Although Green will be absent for just one game, the cumulative total of the Warriors’ outs could hasten the front office’s decision with their vacant 15th roster spot. On Monday, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed a decision was likely to come in the next few days.

With forwards Green, Wiggins and Iguodala on the sidelines, Golden State may need to rush in handing a full contract to Anthony Lamb in order to have him available for the Hawks matchup. The 25-year-old played his 50th and final game on a two-way contract earlier this month, and has since been consigned to the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.

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Lamb had been a surprisingly major part of Kerr’s rotation before that, averaging seven points and 3.4 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. If Golden State want to reduce the workload on others, and have another option available on the bench, then Lamb is the logical choice to convert to a full contract within the next 24 hours.

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