Why the Miami Heat had to acquire Andre Iguodala

The Miami Heat were major movers and shakers at the NBA Trade Deadline. Here’s why they had to land the package featuring Andre Iguodala.

Coming into the season, a lot of ”experts” we’re saying that the Miami Heat would possibly be a playoff team but not really in contention for a title. Throughout this season thus far, Miami has played better than expected and with that, comes more and greater expectations.

This organization likes to strike when the Iron is hot, at least that’s the way Pat Riley has traditionally done things. This speaks to the fact of how they saw an opportunity to acquire a veteran and more importantly, an NBA champion in Andre Iguodala and they did it.

Pat Riley has always liked veterans and especially those that have been champions, which only makes that much more sense considering the potential and prospects of this team. NBA Playoff basketball is a lot different than regular-season basketball, everyone knows that.

Most of the team doesn’t have a lot of playoff experience, so getting Iguodala was a necessary move. I know it’s only been about three games but Iguodala’s defensive instincts still seem to be there. He has already displayed that he still has those very quick hands to get in the passing lanes or in a player’s pocket to make steals, while his ability to establish and recognize positioning defensively still appears as sharp as ever, although still early on.

His head always seems to be on a swivel, looking to either make a play himself or to help make a play for his team. My favorite thing about this trade though that not many people are talking about is that Miami can use Iguodala in the playmaker’s role as either the main handler or roll man.

What I mean by that is or course you could let Iggy orchestrate the pick and roll, but you could also greatly benefit from letting Iguodala be the screener and as the diver or roller in that set, allow him to make plays from that position. This would look like a dish to an open shooter, a handoff for an easy layup, or even a hard finish by Iguodala himself at the cup. Either works just fine.

In Golden State, they would use him as the roll man and it would give Iguodala plenty of options. Klay Thompson and/or Kevin Durant would be in the corners or along the wings, which would set up the Draymond Green back door cut based on the space created by Stephen Curry along the perimeter as well. Miami doesn’t have those types of shooters all over, but in most cases, Miami can find ways to similarly use Iguodala as a playmaker.

So, while the move may seem like an exercise in redundancy, it was a good move and besides, we always trust in Pat Riley. For a team without a primary point guard and for one that has struggled on defense at times, Iguodala was the perfect addition. This is why the Miami Heat had to go out and get him.