Andre Iguodala’s unique player-mentor role exactly what Warriors want, need
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The Andre Iguodala Program exactly what Warriors want, need originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO – The value of an NBA veteran can be assessed in many ways. Production on the court. Professional exemplar in the locker room and at practice. Tips on making the timely pass, the smart foul or the right restaurant. Mapping out a post-career plan.
With Andre Iguodala, the Warriors have someone who spans the spectrum. The ultimate hybrid.
The plan for Iguodala, who signed a contract with the Warriors on Monday after deciding Friday to return for his 19th and final season, is to contribute as a player. And as an assistant coach. And as a mentor. And as a constructive counselor. And as a sergeant-at-arms.
“He makes my job so much easier,” coach Steve Kerr said Monday, shortly after Iguodala put pen to paper.
That’s what quality veterans are programmed to do. Whatever it takes to keep the machine humming.
“We have so many young guys,” Kerr said. “They need coaching, they need mentoring. And Andre’s the best there is at that. And he loves working with the younger guys.
“As a player, he makes everything work because he knows exactly where he needs to be. He makes every lineup click. And if he’s not on the court, he’s teaching these young guys the same thing.”
The Warriors have six players in the 22-and-under club: Jordan Poole, 22; James Wiseman, 21; Moses Moody, 20; Ryan Rollins, 20; Jonathan Kuminga, 19; and Patrick Baldwin Jr., 19.
No matter how capable Kerr and his official assistants are, respected veterans tend to get a bigger ear. Youngsters want to please them, prove they, too, can forge a path in the league.
Kuminga is the youngster most associated with being a teacher/pupil match with Iguodala. As a superior athlete and a deep desire for stardom, JK has tremendous upside. He grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant, but he will need occasional reminders of the labor behind the legend of Kobe.
Enter Andre.
“Obviously, we have high…
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Source : yahoo
