Last season, when Lance Stephenson was still on the Minnesota Timberwolves, I went to a Wolves vs. Clippers game in March. The Timberwolves won the game by a decisive 107-91 margin. But something was different than past Wolves games I had attended over the last few season.
For roughly 10-12 minutes in the second quarter, Stephenson came off the bench to help out the second unit. He did not pour in a ton of points or force large amounts of turnovers. What he did do was grab a few buckets, some nice boards and more importantly, gave the second unit an edge en route to sustaining the lead set in the first quarter. He came out after not playing and almost got in a fight with Blake Griffin, forced his will in the paint and helped galvanize the transition game.
The intent here is not to overplay a few minutes with the second team, but the difference between a second unit with an enforcing vet that is flexible on offense and solid on defense can have a far-reaching impact. The importance of a strong bench is maximized in that playoff push and the postseason. A player like a Stephenson who has played in the spotlight and is willing to be the sixth or seventh man is a valuable piece.
In steps — well, potentially — Andre Iguodala. Iguodala has served the Golden State Warriors well as the sixth man who can guard a variety of opponents while rim running in transition and staying flexible on offense, from running the baseline to hitting threes. But he also still has enough game to take home the 2015 NBA Finals MVP after playing on LeBron James or post 38 minutes and 20 points in Game 5 of last season’s NBA Finals.
Yes, he is on the wrong side of 30. Yes, the price for him will be a little rich. But in the current offseason, the Wolves have lost four players compared to a single addition. This team needs to make sure that they are not leaving a strong starting five with a wasteland for a bench (see the Washington Wizards).
Iguodala offers the ability to be a bench player who would add leadership in the locker room and second unit, along with with a dependable Swiss army knife player who will not let the second unit blow a lead. In a pinch, he can still offer starting minutes from time to time for a cheaper deal without weakening the starting five significantly.
He is probably not the first free agent target for the home squad, but it would be a win for Minnesota if he was on the roster after free agency.
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