At 37, Iguodala looking like key contributor

When the Warriors signed Andre Iguodala to a minimum contract in August, many believed the move was more about nostalgia than actual basketball. His shooting last season with the Heat — 38.3% from the field, 65.8% from the foul line — raised questions about whether he was still a rotation-caliber player.

But after the Warriors’ first full scrimmage of training camp Saturday, head coach Steve Kerr mentioned the 17-year veteran as someone who impressed him. Iguodala’s ability to read defenses, get the team in an offensive flow and mentor young players already is making him an asset.

“Andre was just really brilliant in the scrimmage,” Kerr said. “It’s so great to have him back for so many reasons, but he really stood out.”

At 37, Iguodala concedes he is past his prime. His athleticism is beginning to wane. After games, Iguodala must toil through a rigorous recovery process to stay ready.

But with shooting guard Klay Thompson likely out until at least January with a torn Achilles tendon, and forward Andrew Wiggins’ status for home games in flux as he declines to get a COVID vaccine, Iguodala might need to be a key part of the Warriors’ wing rotation. The other options are Damion Lee, Jordan Poole, Otto Porter Jr., Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

Lee and Poole should be helpful pieces, but they’re still acclimating to major NBA minutes. Porter, who once signed a maximum contract with the Wizards, must prove he can stay healthy after being limited to a combined 42 games the past two seasons. Kuminga and Moody are rookies navigating a sizable learning curve.

In Iguodala, the Warriors knew they had someone who understands their system and makes few mistakes. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that he might be in better shape than some anticipated.

There were times last season when Iguodala looked to be poised for retirement. He wasn’t as dynamic running in transition, and his signature dunks were lacking.

But Iguodala said Monday that he feels rejuvenated, a declaration that appears to be translating to practices. Many of the intangibles that made him an essential member of the Warriors’ recent dynasty — the basketball IQ, the understanding of spacing and timing, the versatile defense — have surfaced during his first week back in a Golden State uniform.

It’s enough for Iguodala’s teammates to think that, instead of being just an extra coach on the sideline, he could still be a valuable cog in the rotation.

“Andre’s Andre,” Porter said. “He just brings that edge to the game. He uses everything against the other team. He’s super smart. He makes plays, and that’s what he does every time he steps on the court.”