(The original text was published on September 14, and The author is Athletic Slater of The Anthony website. The content of The article does not represent The translator’s point of view)
At the beginning of this season, Jordan Poole became more and more popular. Igodala was interviewed by the media after another excellent attack show of Poole. Poole scored 31 points in the game against Wasps and 26 points on pelicans. Poole was the focus of the night in both games. So igodala, who was interviewed after the game, was also asked a question about Poole and got a chance to praise the young defender.
However, igodala just looked through the data table that had been remembered in his mind, and Poole’s free throw shot was 0. Igodala said: “We must let Poole stand on the freethrow line. I think this is what he needs to work hard in the next stage. He can no longer expect 26 points from 0 free throws, I feel that he scored 31 points in the game and there seems to be no free throw (actually 2 penalty 2). Poole likes data like clay, but he has no rebound and only one assists.”
Two days later, Poole got more comprehensive data in another big victory: 25 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 9 free throws, all of which were done. 9 free throws are the season’s new high, only 2 records away from the career record. Poole said in an interview after the game: “Obviously, we got a good whistle tonight. I mean, the referee heard what igodala said in an interview after the game, and this time they all saw how influential igodala was.”
Influence, which is the best description of igodala at the end of his career. His value to Warriors lies in that he can change the behavior of his teammates through character and speech. Push Poole to make him play more aggressive; Criticize cuminga for being late for weightlifting training, then he arrived at the training hall early to warm up; Share aggressive defensive skills with Wikins, now he can defend the opponent’s star more efficiently.
Igodala is still considering whether to retire or return to Warriors. According to igodala himself, he will announce the final decision on his personal podcasting soon. But the Warriors have already expressed their attitude. The Warriors hope that igodala will return. Curry and Coach Cole have already lobbied, and the management has kept the 14th position in the squad list, waiting for the decision of igodala.
All these fully demonstrate the value of igodala, even though the new season is already the 19th season of his career. Cole and Curry are more aware of the core of the Warriors’s success than anyone else. They firmly believe that igodara will be added to the team list, it will bring more value to help the team win than any other player they can find with the basic salary of the veteran, even if igodala can’t play for a minute.
Igodala said that he lacked interest in coach work. The opportunities after his career were not limited to sports circles. Once he chose to retire, he seemed to be interested in exploring more opportunities. Therefore, the only way for Warriors to leave igodala is to give him a place in the lineup, just as the heat has done for Hasham over the years.
However, the situation of Hasham and igodala is different. Even Hasham, who is in good health, cannot enter the rotation of the heat, which was even the case five years ago. Although Haslem occupies a large list, it actually plays the role of assistant coach. What is completely different is that igodala has already expressed that if he can’t play in NBA, he will consider retiring. In the just-ended season, igodala played 38 games and was still an effective rotation choice.
Igodala played a key role in several of the best away victories of the Warriors this season. He performed well in the opening match of winning the Lakers at Staples Center, winning 12 points and 2 cap; boston snatched basketball from Jay Brown’s hand and stole a victory away from home. At the home of the guest jazz, igodala chose to return without chasing dream Green. After sending out 8 assists, hit 2 fatal three-pointer. Igodala said in an interview on March this year, “My teammates have made a mess of my opponents, so even if my physical condition is not so satisfactory, I can play as a reliable member.”
However, the impact of intermittent injuries is also accumulating. At the beginning of the season, igodala drained the water from his right knee again. There was also a problem in the hip, and the back began to ache. In the playoffs, he seemed unable to overcome the neck problem and even difficult to turn his head. Igodala also said in the interview in March: “This feeling is like cancer spreading slowly to other parts of the body, and all kinds of minor problems follow one after another. There is nerve damage here, where intervertebral disc is prominent, and the problem has never been concentrated. One place just got up, and another place began to ache the next day. It was always in the process of recovery. This feeling was really frustrating.”
In the near future, igodala will have to decide whether it is worth the test of his body for another NBA season. Warriors do have some flexibility in the replacement lineup, and it is very likely that the 15th quota will be empty in order to save taxes. In theory, Warriors can introduce igodala again in the second half of the season. Warriors once signed Bogut at the end of their career in March to prepare for the playoffs. Therefore, the situation may not be as urgent as it seems. Warriors don’t have a few days before the training camp. If igodala doesn’t return, they must decide what choice to make, the veteran route that Warriors have tried in recent years is a direction worth considering.
Warriors already have many young players to fill the substitute list. Wiseman, cuminga, Moody’s, Baldwin and Rawlings are all players under the age of 21 with little or no NBA experience. Without igodala, the wisest thing for Warriors is to add some experience to the substitute team. Mclemo, Elfrid Peyton, Hollis Jefferson and Faried are all good choices, especially Hollis Jefferson, a flank player who can play multiple positions, play is the best way to replace the role of igodala.
However, none of the above players can convey information to the entire warriors outside the stadium, in the dressing room, on the sidelines, on the plane or at the press conference like igodala. This is why Warriors still hope to persuade igodala to return, believing that he will receive his reply soon.
Original: Anthony Slater
Compile: Li Taibai
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