The Miami Heat have a certified winner and leader on their roster in Andre Iguodala.
The Miami Heat are who they are for a reason. They are typically as good and consistent as they are for a reason as well.
They know exactly who they are as a franchise, an organization, and who they want to be year in and year out as a team on the floor. That’s why when it comes to filling out this roster, more often than not, they get it right and that’s because they focus on bringing in certain types of guys.
Now, last season, they moved Justise Winslow for a few reasons. One reasons was because he simply couldnt’ stay healthy enough in Miami.
Secondly and because of that, a fresh start was needed on both fronts. Lastly, the Miami Heat recognized their potential early and could use Justise to bring in some some subtle reinforcements.
That’s just what they were able to do. In a package from Memphis, they received Jae Crowder, Andre Iguodala, and Solomon Hill in exchange for the services of Justise Winslow.
While Crowder was arguably the most impactful on the floor for the Heat last season, he is no longer in Miami after signing a three year deal with Phoenix for essentially $10 million per season. He wasn’t the only one though, as the other two in Hill and Iguodala also made their presences known at different points.
With Hill also gone this season though, Iggy is the last guy left. He wasn’t a bad one to keep of the three.
The first thing I noticed about Iggy upon seeing him early in this preseason was the shape he looked in. Plainly, he appears to be in better shape now than he ever was at any point last season for Miami.
He looks skinnier and more ripped. Because of this, he seems to have a little more bounce back in his step as well.
This led me here. Here’s his bold prediction for 2020-21.
Iggy will have one of those Golden State Warriors Title Run- Lite kind of years for Miami
While Iggy has been able to score it in bunches and flat out embarrass you athletically across his career, his real superpower has always been his ability to impact the other areas of the game while also being able to do a lot for your team. That’s what made him a key part of the Golden State Warriors during their title run years.
While he doesn’t have to be that completely for the Miami Heat, I do believe he will be Golden State Iggy Lite for the Miami Heat this season. That’s what his usage throughout the first two games indicate.
He has created for others, himself, grabbed boards, defended of course, and hit a few shots from range. Iggy looks to be ready to contribute mightily again after sitting for most of the year doing nothing in Memphis.
With him back in shape, he could be a huge help to us this year. We sure hope so because having a guy like him at his best and engaged could mean a lot for this team’s chances.