Iguodala nearing a return; "on the same chapter as trainers"

For the first time since the day he pulled his hamstring against the Los Angeles Lakers, Andre Iguodala was allowed to speak to the media (I missed the last two practices so if he was speaking then, I stand corrected). Finally taking off the ever-growing cloak of secrecy that doubles as the protective blanket of Golden State Warriors injury news, Iguodala sauntered over, limp-free, from what sounded like an easy-going walkthrough, and addressed the media.

"The hamstring is one of the toughest muscles to heal. I'm running at a good rate now. Things are looking good," Iguodala said.

More often than not, the player and trainer have two different mindsets when injuries occur. The person actually on the floor during games, trying to earn his next paycheck, strives to get back on the hardwood, perhaps to the detriment to his own body. The trainer's job, and reputation (ask the Phoenix Suns renowned medical staff), is to get the player back to 100 percent without any side effects.

If treating a back problem, a trainer makes sure the player doesn't overcompensate by walking a certain way. The Warriors rushed Andrew Bogut back last season and it severely hurt both the trainers and the players. The San Francisco 49ers just shut down Tank Carradine for the season because they didn't like what they saw in his rehab. Being careful and meticulous might not be conducive to Iguodala's competitive fire but it's the right move.

"That's the hardest part. We've had some disagreements, some days you feel really good but your body can trick yourself. The good thing is our strength and conditioning guy tore his hamstring this summer and he tore it four times and came back and tore it four times again."

It was meant as a light joke but it's slightly concerning that a professional team's trainer was unable to gauge his own physical limitations. For whatever its worth, the Warriors have been extremely careful with Stephen Curry (concussion) and Harrison Barnes (foot) coming off injuries.

On the other hand, Iguodala seems to know where he's at in his rehab. As a veteran, he isn't as concerned with exerting extra energy (per se) to prove something that he isn't.

"I can still be effective and gauge where I am. I'm in my tenth year and I'll let that be a factor as to when I'm coming back. I have some disagreements {with the trainers}. We're on the same chapter."

But sitting on the bench in a suit and tie hasn't stopped Iguodala from playing the thinking man's game that's earned him accolades as one of the best wing defenders, if not the best this side of LeBron James, and passing forwards. There's frustration in not being able to play, but Iguodala is taking the good with the bad and trying to help the team get better any way he can.

"I see certain things I don't see when I'm on the court; how certain guys react to certain situations, how long has it been since touches for guys. It's good to see how we're getting out of a rhythm on offense and what plays get us out of it."

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