Why Andre Iguodala makes sense for this LA Clippers team

Recent rumors have connected Andre Iguodala to the LA Clippers, and if those end up being true, LA would find themselves in perfect shape.

Earlier this week, the folks over at ClipCast put out an interesting rumor, claiming that former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala would be joining the LA Clippers on September 3. My co-expert, Ryan Snellings, wrote something up about that rumor not long after it broke. If you haven’t read that yet, I would suggest you do.

In short, Snellings is skeptical, and I am too. ClipCast didn’t name a specific source in relation to where they got their Iguodala information from, but they did mention that the source isn’t connected to the organization, as they’ve been very tight-lipped as of late. Because of that, we should take it with a grain of salt.

That being said, I think it is believable. Iguodala is exactly the type of player the Clippers would love to add to the roster, and his fit with the culture that LA has established over the last few seasons would be seamless. Like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Patrick Beverley, he’s a gritty player with plenty of ability on both ends, even at age 35.

This past season with the Golden State Warriors, Iguodala averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game — roughly a steal (0.9) and a block (0.8) as well. He did that in just over 23 minutes a night, across 68 games and 13 starts.

There’s a lot more to Iguodala’s game that his numbers don’t show, though. He wins games without scoring, by leading with his defense and impressive playmaking ability. On top of that, his versatility allows teams to plug him in just about anywhere, whether that be in the famed “Death Lineup”, or in a significant bench role. He can do just about anything, and make the players around him better in the process.

Iguodala’s current situation is something that could complicate his arrival. As it stands, Iguodala is under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was traded there by Golden State in early July, and although he doesn’t make much sense on that roster (Memphis is in no position to compete for a title, let alone a playoff spot this season), the Grizzlies still haven’t bought him out.

Whether they do or not, the Clippers could end up being the team that gets its hands on Iguodala. LA is certainly in position to make a trade for him, and in the event that he does end up getting bought out, it would make a lot of sense if he intended to sign with the Clippers. As much as he fits their team, the opportunity would also fit him just as well.

The Clippers could offer Iguodala a prime spot on the bench, alongside Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. On load management nights, Iguodala or Maurice Harkless could slide into the starting lineup in place of Leonard or George. But most importantly, the Clippers offer arguably the best chance at winning an NBA title this coming season — something that sweetens the deal for any free agent seeking a new home.

If he does end up coming, the LA Clippers will be in better shape heading into this season than any of us ever could have imagined coming into it. And with a championship on the line, Iguodala would only help the Clippers’ cause.