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OAKLAND — In most cases, the Warriors launch 3-point shots that seemingly all swish into the net. In most cases, Warriors forward Andre Iguodala has hoisted 3-point shots that have mostly clanked off the rim.
The Warriors (28-7) enter Friday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets (12-22) at Oracle Arena with Iguodala offering some disturbing statistics regarding his outside shooting. Iguodala has shot 24.1 percent this season from 3-point range. He has missed all eight of his combined 3-point shots in the past four games. And even though the Warriors’ outside shooting usually falls on Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, Iguodala’s numbers diminishes a potential threat both during Curry’s 10-game absence from a right ankle injury and when Iguodala’s teammates attract swarming defenses.
“Obviously, we love to see him get his stroke on,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But he does so many other things for us.”
After all, the Warriors never valued the 33-year-old Iguodala for his box score contributions. They have relished him for all the intangibles.
Kerr has often praised how Iguodala has navigated “the chess board.” Instead of knowing when and where to move king, queen, rooks, bishops, knights and pawns, Iguodala has shown a knack for knowing when to shoot, pass, defend and lead. Those qualities account for Iguodala winning both the 2015 NBA Finals MVP and securing a three-year, $48 million last summer to stay with the Warriors.
“Some guys can survive on skill. Some guys can survive on knowledge and anticipation. Andre will survive on a combination of both,” Kerr said. “He still is a great athlete and great leaper. But he’s also one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around.”
As a result, Iguodala has shown a heavy dose of athleticism with his dunks and smarts with his playmaking. In the Warriors’ 126-101 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Iguodala made up for his low scoring marks (three points) and shooting percentage (1-of-7) with seven assists, six rebounds and zero turnovers. In a 112-94 win over Dallas on Dec. 14, Iguodala had only two points on 1-of-5 shooting while recording 10 assists and zero turnovers. Therefore, Kerr said he considers “Andre making 3’s is kind of gravy.”
“He has a tendency to make big ones,” Kerr said. “He’s not shooting it well now. But I’m confident he will, ultimately.”
Kerr has that optimism for a few reasons. Iguodala has become a proven scorer both during his prime as a former gold medalist and All-Star player and in the past three years as a reserve. Kerr also referenced other players that struggled with their shot later in their career, including himself and former swingman Shawn Marion.
As far as when Iguodala will adjust his shooting percentages? Kerr did not pretend to know the answers. Yet, Kerr said he remains patient with that process because of all the other qualities that Iguodala offers.
“If his shot is not going in, he’s still making a huge impact,” Kerr said. “I think he’s playing great. His shot is not going in, but he’s doing everything else.”
