Andre Iguodala given warning for flop

Andre Iguodala was given a warning by the NBA after flopping during Opening Night.

Andre Iguodala is one of the savviest defenders in the league. He understands players’ tendencies and preference. Then, when he’s built this mental scouting report, he uses it against them.

He’s a high-IQ basketball player. He reads the game and tries to get any advantage that he can. He does this to help his teammates, exploit his opponents, and, sometimes, fool the officials.

Iguodala tried to do so on Opening Night against the San Antonio Spurs, but it didn’t quite work out that well for him. The 2015 Finals MVP tried to flop after Kawhi Leonard accidentally hit him in the groin.

Yeah, Andre Iguodala took a low blow but this flop is performance art https://t.co/bAsC9viq8m

— The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) October 26, 2016

Leonard seemed to slip trying to close out on Iguodala. In doing so, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year accidentally hit him in the groin. Then, as Leonard stood up, it looked like his head hit Iguodala’s jaw.

He probably wanted the call after the ground hit, but he didn’t get it. The minimal contact with Leonard’s head was enough for Iguodala to try to get a whistle. He threw his head and arms back and stumbled out of bounds.

GSW's Iguodala received a warning for violating the league’s anti-flopping rule during a game on Oct. 25. See play: https://t.co/Oh2FXUnjPo

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) October 26, 2016

It looks like Leonard might have cracked a smile. That’s how hilarious that flop was, but not everyone thought it was funny. The NBA assessed Iguodala the first flop warning of the 2016-17 season.

Iguodala looked a step slow last night especially when he was on Leonard. When you’re struggling, sometimes you have to switch things up. Can’t get mad at the effort, but if he does it again, the league will fine him $5,000.

Andre Iguodala is careful with his money. He used a cracked phone instead of buying a new one because he just didn’t want to spend. I don’t imagine he’ll take another risk with 81 more games to play.