The Golden State Warriors were forced to trade Andre Iguodala in order to acquire D'Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade transaction, as dealing the 2015 NBA Finals MVP was the lesser of two evils, with Draymond Green being the alternative option.
Now with Iguodala seeking a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies and a likely stint with another team, Ethan Strauss of The Athletic warns the Warriors will sorely miss the sixth man's leadership, considering he was often the man behind the scenes making the wheels turn:
Warriors staffers lamented the loss of a “leader.” This was an aspect to Iguodala’s tenure in Oakland that may have been overlooked. He was a leader in the shadows, shaping the careers of players who would never make an All-Star team. “Strength in Numbers” could not have happened without Iguodala because it was strength built up by an obsessive, dictatorial personal trainer.
Iguodala laid the foundation for Strength in Numbers, as he was the first player to be willing to take a role off the bench to help the team succeed. David Lee had become a member of the bench early during their run, but it wasn't by choice, but rather the consequence of an untimely injury that thrust Green into the starting power forward spot.
It was also Iguodala who mentored Patrick McCaw, took Harrison Barnes under his wing and made a successful cog out of Kevon Looney after most of the organization was ready to label him a bust.
Iguodala encouraged Looney to follow a semi-Paleo diet, one which saw him lose 30 pounds and ultimately landed him another year with the Warriors, and most recently a three-year, $15 million deal.
Draymond Green is easily alluded to as this team's emotional leader, but Iguodala was undoubtedly the mastermind behind the scenes, making it all work as smoothly as it did for several seasons.
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