Warriors remaining roster moves likely to be based on Iguodala's pending decision
As the off-season winds down — the defending champion Golden State Warriors prepare for training camp — which starts on Sept. 24.
The Warriors announced their preseason schedule as well — as their three-game home stand sees visitors from the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trailblazers and the Denver Nuggets. Additionally — the Warriors are planning to play the Washington Wizards in Japan as part of the NBA Global Games.
The questions concerning the remaining roster spots entering training camp mostly fall on the fate of forward Andre Iguodala. Iguodala — who will be turning 39 this season — has been a valuable member of the dynasty but is declining in terms of on-court production as expected. Iguodala only played in 31 games last season — but his leadership and mentoring of the younger players are irreplaceable.
Iguodala has taken a liking to that of forward Jonathan Kuminga. Since Iguodala sat next to Kuminga on the bench — Kuminga said Iguodala was the one who mostly offered him advice during his interview with NBC Sports Bay Area's ‘Dubs Talk’. “I mean, Andre [Iguodala] got more experience than all of us,” Kuminga said. “He played 18 seasons, and it’s not easy to play those many years in the league. He’s been around for so long, so he knows a lot.”
Though Iguodala’s role has been similar to that of Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem as a “player-coach” this past season — Iguodala said people don’t understand what [being a player-coach] goes into when he spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole during the Stephen Curry headlined ACC Golf Tournament in Lake Tahoe a few weeks back.
“The thing that I don’t want to see misconstrued, or I don’t want the perception thrown out there, is that I’m a coach,” Iguodala said. “I don’t want to get thrown into the ‘just go coach.’ That’s not a route I’m looking forward to taking. Not at all.”
Additionally — with guard Mac McClung signing a one-year deal after the Las Vegas Showcase — that leaves one roster spot open should Iguodala remain on the team.
The Warriors usually like to leave that open spot to competition during training camp. Last season — Portland Trailblazers guard Gary Payton II beat out veterans such as Langston Galloway, Avery Bradley, and Quinn Cook for the coveted roster spot and proved to be a huge contributor throughout the season and in the playoffs. Rarely does the 15th man on the roster make such a significant impact — but Payton II found his role and took advantage of the opportunity.
The Warriors extended training camp invites to McClung, Trevion Williams and Pat Spencer. Williams spent his college years in Purdue, and Spencer — who played lacrosse for Loyola — flipped his career and spent some time with the G League’s Capital City Go-Go.
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