When evaluating a player like Andre Iguodala in terms of his individual value to multiple organizations over the course of his 15-year career, the numbers do not do him proper justice. Iguodala boasts career averages of 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists, not exactly eye-popping statistics for building a Hall of Fame case. And yet, intangible measures make Iguodala an interesting candidate to get inducted in Springfield.
Here is a closer look at why Andre Iguodala is a future Hall of Famer.
Took the torch from Allen Iverson
Iguodala began his career in Philadelphia after he was taken ninth overall in the 2004 NBA Draft. By just his third season in the league, Iguodala proved to be one of the most capable two-way wingmen in basketball.
He averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists to go along with a pair of steals per game, arguably cementing himself as the Sixers' best all-around player on a team that included Allen Iverson. Subsequently, Iguodala's growth (among other factors) led to the Sixers sending Iverson to the Denver Nuggets in December 2006.
The next year (2007-08), Iguodala averaged nearly 20 points, five boards and five assists in addition to two steals. That year kicked off a three-year stretch in which Iggy played all 82 games and averaged over 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.
In fact, the Sixers made the playoffs in their first two full seasons without Iverson, mostly because of Iguodala. Sure, they managed to win just one playoff series in his last five years with the team (thanks largely to a devastating Derrick Rose injury in 2012), but Iguodala kept the Sixers relevant in Philadelphia, and made his first and only All-Star appearance in that 2011-2012 season.
This was a franchise that, for over two decades, had relied on stars like Julius Erving, Moses Malone and then Iverson. Iguodala was that star the city desperately needed, and he helped to bridge the gap. His departure from Philadelphia in the summer of 2012 officially kicked off “The Process,” which has finally resulted in another group of Sixers stars like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
New role with Warriors
Many people may forget that Iguodala actually made the All-Defensive First Team in his first year (2013-14) with the Warriors. But it was his willingness to embrace being the sixth man that helped Golden State become champions.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr inserted Harrison Barnes into the starting lineup over Iguodala and stuck with Draymond Green over David Lee at power forward, unlocking a new element to Golden State's offensive and defensive prowess. Still, come playoff time, Iguodala took his game to a new level.
Iguodala averaged 10.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the 2015 playoffs, which hardly speaks to his impact on the 2015 NBA Finals.
He was the second-leading scorer for the Warriors in the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists while posting a plus-17 net rating, the best of any player (on either team) who logged over 100 minutes of run in the Finals. As such, Iguodala was named the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, which is the achievement that really helps to put his career in perspective.
Iguodala's value has been immeasurable in each of Golden State's three championship victories. He ranks second in plus-minus in all NBA Finals series since 1997, and his impact has even been felt on the verge of defeat in 2019.
Although Iguodala has played in all four games of the series against the Toronto Raptors, he has been noticeably hampered by a calf injury that has impacted his movement and effectiveness, especially in having to guard Kawhi Leonard. As such, the Warriors (also without Kevin Durant) find themselves in a 3-1 hole as they try to salvage their season on Monday night.
If anything, Iguodala's “lesser” role in Golden State is what really certifies his case as a Hall of Famer. Playing with the Warriors has not only extended his career, but has also helped Iguodala come close to reaching the 100 Win Share mark. Should he reach that number, he will have passed Iverson, Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill — all Hall of Famers — on the all-time Win Shares list.
Conclusion
Iguodala's Hall of Fame resume is not built on the flashiness of his scoring numbers or his accolades. Instead, his most important accolade (the 2015 Finals MVP) speaks volumes to his intrinsic value as a basketball player, particularly as it pertains to one of the most eminent dynasties in NBA history.
From defining a new era in Philadelphia to achieving glory in Golden State, Andre Iguodala's career is Hall of Fame worthy.
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