Not Too Soon To Be Concerned

Andre Iguodala is not a prototype NBA shooting guard.

There, I've said it. You can stop trying to tell me the obvious in your emails. But I'm open to suggestions about how to find a comfort level for the guy, who is clearly an NBA talent, who has a gift of being able to fill up multiple columns of the boxscore, who seemed last season as if he were on the verge of a break-through to All-Star consideration.

Here's one thought that has been known to work at every level of the sport: Get him an easy bucket at the start. The thinking is, if you make one, you might also make the next five. After that, get him in a position to do what he does best, which is run the floor, throwing down dunks, at the very least getting to the rim, drawing fouls. Build him up; don't tear him down.

It's much, much too early to even broach the subject of a lineup change. Coach Maurice Cheeks has all he can handle right now trying to find some stability in his substitution rotation, in his offensive sets with the low-post presence of Elton Brand, and in his defensive schemes. I'm from a school that says Iguodala didn't suddenly forget how to play, but he does need some time to find a new comfort level.

I have another idea in the back of my mind, but it might be too radical and I'd prefer to get some feedback from personnel and scouting people I trust.

Iguodala needs some time to sort this out. And so do I.