PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 04: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, 2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed – Andre Iguodala
In his return to the Golden State Warriors last season, Andre Iguodala found himself in and out of the rotation due to injury. The former Finals MVP averaged 19.5 minutes per game in 31 contests, having spent a majority of the season on the sidelines.
At 38 years old, Iguodala’s best days as a player are undoubtedly behind him, and he has even hinted at retirement previously. However, if he does decide to come back and help the Warriors defend their title next season, which is likely his best bet, there could be a role waiting for him.
On the floor, Iguodala may not provide the same production that he once could, but at this stage in his career, he has seemingly taken on a mentorship role. The veteran has reportedly taken several of Golden State’s young players, including Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, under his wing.
As the Warriors look to get their young players more involved moving forward, there is certainly a lot they could learn from a former Finals MVP, All-Star, and multi-time Defensive honoree. Keeping him around for that reason alone would be justifiable. However, that does not mean he cannot be a useful piece on the court in limited minutes, bringing more defense and toughness to the floor.
If Iguodala does decide to lace them up for one more season, it would not be on a hefty deal, and it would be incredibly shocking to see him sign with anyone but the Warriors. On a minimum deal, it would make sense to bring Iguodala back for the title defense next season.
With an offseason to get himself right health-wise, perhaps he could help more on the floor next season, but he could also be a great piece in that locker-room leadership-wise regardless. Ultimately, it all hinges on if the 38-year-old decides to call it a career or run it back in Golden State again next season.
NBA Free Agency</a> first began, and the market has gone quiet as of late. As teams look to put the finishing touches on their roster ahead of next season, they should scour which players remain in free agency, as there are several that could still be worth a roster spot for the 2022-23 season.</p>
<p>One particular position of interest is the small forward position, as there are three names that immediately come to mind that would be solid additions to most teams. After looking at the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/18/2022-nba-free-agency-point-guards/" rel="">point guard</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/20/2022-nba-free-agency-shooting-guards/">shooting guard</a> positions, let us now look at three small forwards that are yet to be signed and could make for intriguing pickups this offseason.</p>
<h2>2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed – Jordan Nwora</h2>
<p>After being selected in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, Jordan Nwora has had a difficult time trying to carve out a role for himself with the Milwaukee Bucks. Due to their title-contending status, the Bucks have relied heavily on experienced veterans over young talent, which has mainly kept Nwora out of the rotation. The 23-year-old is currently a restricted free agent, and whoever eventually signs him could potentially land a hidden gem.</p>
<p>While Nwora’s playing time was inconsistent this past season, he often showed potential in the games when he received significant time. Nwora shined when he started for the Bucks last season,<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional/?sort=PTS&dir=-1&Season=2021-22&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&StarterBench=Starters&TeamID=1610612749%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener"> having averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists</a> in 34.9 minutes per contest across 13 games.</p>
<p>If a team were able to offer a prominent role, he could potentially put up numbers like this more consistently. At 23 years old, Nwora still has plenty of room to develop, but his limited action in Milwaukee could be holding him back to some degree.</p>
<p>At the time of this writing, Nwora remains a restricted free agent. That means Milwaukee is able to match any offer made to Nwora, but it is unclear whether or not they would, depending on how much an opposing team offers.</p>
<p>A young team like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Orlando Magic should take a closer look at Nwora, as the soon-to-be third-year forward could fit snugly into their rebuild and potentially become a nightly contributor in the proper role. The minutes just are not there for the 23-year-old in Milwaukee, and any team that takes a flyer on Nwora may land a potential steal.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> SF #2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-446969 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1344984719.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1344984719.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1344984719-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 04: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, 2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed – Andre Iguodala</h2>
<p>In his return to the Golden State Warriors last season, Andre Iguodala found himself in and out of the rotation due to injury. The former Finals MVP averaged 19.5 minutes per game in 31 contests, having spent a majority of the season on the sidelines.</p>
<p>At 38 years old, Iguodala’s best days as a player are undoubtedly behind him, and he has even <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/exclusive-warriors-andre-iguodala-says-im-going-be-done-soon-nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hinted at retirement</a> previously. However, if he does decide to come back and help the Warriors defend their title next season, which is likely his best bet, there could be a role waiting for him.</p>
<p>On the floor, Iguodala may not provide the same production that he once could, but at this stage in his career, he has seemingly taken on a mentorship role. The veteran has reportedly taken several of Golden State’s young players, including Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://heavy.com/sports/golden-state-warriors/warriors-andre-iguodala-addresses-rumors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">under his wing</a>.</p>
<p>As the Warriors look to get their young players more involved moving forward, there is certainly a lot they could learn from a former Finals MVP, All-Star, and multi-time Defensive honoree. Keeping him around for that reason alone would be justifiable. However, that does not mean he cannot be a useful piece on the court in limited minutes, bringing more defense and toughness to the floor.</p>
<p>If Iguodala does decide to lace them up for one more season, it would not be on a hefty deal, and it would be incredibly shocking to see him sign with anyone but the Warriors. On a minimum deal, it would make sense to bring Iguodala back for the title defense next season.</p>
<p>With an offseason to get himself right health-wise, perhaps he could help more on the floor next season, but he could also be a great piece in that locker-room leadership-wise regardless. Ultimately, it all hinges on if the 38-year-old decides to call it a career or run it back in Golden State again next season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> SF #3 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-446945 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1388078382.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1388078382.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1388078382-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 21: Ben McLemore #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan, 2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 small forwards that need to be signed – Ben McLemore</h2>
<p>It is incredibly puzzling that Ben McLemore is still a free agent this late in 2022 NBA Free Agency. Not only has the veteran been a quality rotational piece throughout his career, but he just had the second most productive season of his NBA career. On top of that, he is just 29-years-old and has plenty of good basketball left to be played.</p>
<p>McLemore’s long distance shooting is his most desirable attribute, having hit 36.3 percent of his triples on 4.3 attempts per contest in nine seasons. The guard is a lethal catch-and-shoot threat on the perimeter, which would help shore up a team’s three-point shooting on impact.</p>
<p>Due to his hot outside shooting, McLemore has been a solid bench scorer throughout his career, having averaged nine points per game, including 10.2 on average this past season. He could be a massive spark on the offensive end for teams that need a dose of scoring and perimeter shooting off the bench.</p>
<p>Despite a rather productive year last season, McLemore is likely looking at a “prove it deal” for the 2022-23 NBA season. There is a long list of contenders on which the guard make a tremendous addition, with the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors being two of them.</p>
<p>Adding McLemore would help provide more shooting, battle-tested experience, and strong play in the second unit as these two up-and-coming contenders look to take a leap next season. Only time will tell, but Ben McLemore should be on an NBA roster sooner rather than later.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA Free Agency - Top 5 best contracts this offseason" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/07/nba-free-agency-best-contracts/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/22/2022-nba-free-agency-small-forward/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/07/07/nba-free-agency-best-contracts/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA Free Agency - Top 5 best contracts this offseason </a> </div>
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