Andre Iguodala could offer key bench support — if healthy

Andre Iguodala made key contributions in the Miami Heat’s first two series wins. Against the Indiana Pacers, Iguodala played in the Heat’s crunch time lineup and made timely winning plays.

Although Jae Crowder took his spot in fourth-quarter lineups against the Milwaukee Bucks, Iguodala still played smart defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo. In Miami’s Game 5 clincher, Iguodala was part of a Heat bench unit that overcame an early deficit and finished with seven points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in 17 minutes. His defensive instincts are still second-to-none.

But the three-time NBA champion has missed the second half of the Heat’s last two games with back spasms.

And for the Heat, that’s been a problem. With Iguodala ailing in Game 3, Erik Spoelstra was forced to play Kendrick Nunn in the second half. Nunn didn’t offer anything offensively and even committed a senseless foul on Jayson Tatum as the Celtics wing rose for a breakaway dunk. Nunn made All-Rookie First Team, but his production has cratered in the bubble.

Aside from Nunn, Iguodala’s absence also forces Spoelstra to play Derrick Jones Jr. more than necessary. Jones brings value to Miami on the defensive end of the floor with his length, but he isn’t an offensive threat. Neither Jones nor Iguodala is much of a 3-point threat, but Iguodala offers a bit more versatility with his ability to hit the mid-range shot.

Due to ESPN airing Monday Night Football, Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals won’t be until Wednesday. Getting the 36-year-old Iguodala healthy for that game would provide a big help for the Heat.