Andre Iguodala to Golden State (4 years, $48 Million) Makes the Warriors a Title Contender
By Jason McIntyre
Iguodala didn’t cost the Warriors much – Brandon Rush, Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins, none of whom contributed to their nice 2013 playoff run – and he sets them up as the most versatile team in the West.
Playing the Grizzlies? The Warriors can go big with Lee and Bogut, and then decide whom to play on the wing (Thompson/Barnes/Iggy). Playing the Spurs with Duncan, Parker, Green, Leonard and Ginobili? Well then the Warriors can go small (Lee/Bogut) and four shooters. They can do that against the Thunder (Ibaka and four wings), too. With four wings and Lee, the Warriors will be difficult for the Clippers to match up with.
The Warriors now possess probably two of the 15 best wing defenders in the NBA in Barnes and Iguodala, and definitely one of the best backcourts in the NBA with the Splash Brothers (Curry and Thompson).
I would assume Iguodala will draw the likes of Durant, Harden, Kobe and perhaps even CP3 and Tony Parker in crunch time.
The only discernible Golden State weakness is the bench. I would assume Barnes will be the 6th man, and Draymond Green will be the top frontcourt reserve. They lost Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry, two valuable backups last season.
My July 6th Top 8 in the West, in order:
1. Oklahoma City – Holes, I know, but still not ready to bail on KD/Westbrook.
2. LA Clippers
3. Golden State
4. Houston – Could go higher depending on what they get for Asik
5. San Antonio
6. Memphis
7. New Orleans
8. Minnesota
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Denver
LA Lakers
Portland
Dallas
Utah
Phoenix
Sacramento