Riley: Iguodala's 7-month absence was 'blessing in disguise'
Miami Heat swingman Andre Iguodala hasn't played a single NBA minute since Game 6 of the 2019 Finals, but Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley is more than confident in the newly acquired veteran.
"He's an elite defender, an elite team defender, elite assist-to-turnover percentage, he ranks up into the top of those areas that are real tangible," Riley said, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. "You don't lose that in seven months. And probably, it was a blessing in disguise that he didn't play for seven months."
The Memphis Grizzlies dealt Iguodala to the Heat prior to Thursday's trade deadline. Memphis and Iguodala had mutually agreed he would not play for the team this season after he was acquired from the Golden State Warriors in the summer.
The 36-year-old Iguodala averaged career lows in many statistical categories during the 2018-19 regular season. However, he upped his performance during the playoffs, posting 9.8 points, 4.3 boards, and four assists per contest - including a 22-point performance in his last appearance for the Warriors.
Upon completing the trade with Memphis, Miami reportedly inked Iguodala to a two-year, $30-million extension that includes a team option for the second season. For his part, the 2015 Finals MVP says he's rejuvenated following his extended absence.
"I feel like I still have a lot of time left," Iguodala told reporters after Friday's shootaround, according to Reynolds. "I surprised myself just taking the time off and seeing how bouncy my legs got to be. Once the body started recovering a little bit better. Now it's just about finding NBA game shape. It's hard to really practice that. It shouldn't take too much time."
With three championship rings and 145 games of playoff experience, Iguodala should provide a boost to the Heat's pursuit of a title once he makes his long-awaited season debut.
Miami (34-17) is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference and sits 3 1/2 games back of the Toronto Raptors for the No. 2 seed.