Numbers don’t reflect Iguodala’s worth
With Andre Iguodala, particularly championship Andre Iguodala, it never has been about the numbers.
It certainly wasn’t with the Golden State Warriors, where pedestrian statistics accompanied three NBA titles. But that’s also when Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green were alongside him.
With the Miami Heat, flanked by a mere two All-Stars, the occasional statistical contribution is somewhat of a necessity, as out of character as it might be.
So this week, with the playoffs just over a week away, the veteran forward offered a reminder that those boxes can be checked off, if needed.
In Tuesday’s victory over the Boston Celtics, there were six points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and a steal. Thursday, in the loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, there were 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
“For me, it’s different types of games,” the 36-year-old veteran said. “I think I have a different mindset just knowing what the team needs. [I’m] just trying to play winning basketball and then understanding that something that may not reflect the contribution on the stat sheet and being comfortable with that.
“We tend to look at the stat sheet too much to determine whether guys had a good game or not. For me, it’s just trying to fill the void.”
Referred to at one point during his Warriors career as “The No-Stats Hall of Famer” by NBC Sports, Iguodala averaged 7.8 points, 7.6 points and six points during the regular seasons of the Warriors’ 2015, ’17 and ’18 championship runs.
The numbers are left to others.
“I can’t even list all of the things that he does, that any NBA coach recognizes how he impacts winning,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, as the Heat turned their attention to Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. game against the Phoenix Suns at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex.
“That versatility is something that fits right in with what we do and who we are. For the short period of time, I’m really enjoying having this opportunity to coach him.”
Acquired at the Feb. 8 trading deadline from the Memphis Grizzlies, Iguodala had not played since the 2019 NBA Finals, having reached an agreement for the Grizzlies to eventually relocate him.
Then came a month with the Heat, followed by the NBA’s four-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic. And now just over a month with the Heat at the league’s quarantine bubble setting at Disney.
“I’m adjusting on the fly,” Iguodala said. “There are a lot of different principles used across the NBA with different teams, so you’re just learning the terminology and exactly where they want you on the floor.
“I’m trying to pick up on it and have it stick without having to think too much on the court. When you’re hearing it, you’re reacting or you’re being proactive. I think that’s the biggest thing for me, just being proactive and being in position early.”
The buildup to the playoffs appears to be on schedule.
“I had a really good first couple weeks coming into the bubble, just getting back into the flow of things,” Iguodala said. “It seems like y’all think I can play still, so I’m confident in my game. But I feel like I can take it to another level. [I’m] just enjoying the game.
“I think that’s the biggest thing. There’s a lot going in our world and in the bubble that can bog you down a little bit. Being on that court, it’s kind of like that safe space. You can get away, free your mind. So[I’m] just trying to enjoy the whole situation.”
And, if necessary, offer the occasional word of championship advice.
“We got to use the strength of our numbers,” he said. “I try not to say that because it’s a Golden State saying, but it holds true across the league. Teams who make the longer runs or teams with championship pedigree, everybody on the roster is always ready to contribute.”