OAKLAND  Despite being ruled out of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (left leg contusion) remains confident he can return in the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
I dont have too much doubt, Iguodala during media day Wednesday. Based on how long its been from when it happened, Im not that far away.
Iguodala, who suffered a left leg contusion during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, has missed the past four playoff games. A re-evaluation Tuesday revealed inflammation around the nerve in his left knee. Still, Iguodala is keeping a positive outlook.
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Im making some progress, slower than we expected, Iguodala said. But, if youre being realistic, it is what it is. It would be this time, if not longer, at a different scenario.
In his absence, Iguodala, whos averaging 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds during the postseason, has been relegated to a player/coach-type role for the Warriors, corresponding with coaches on the sideline while shouting encouragement to players from the bench.
Youre preparing every day like youre playing, first and foremost, Iguodala said. The last couple games in the Houston series was interacting a lot with coach and a few of the guys coming off the bench. Just making sure were all on the same page. Its almost like youre playing, except youre not on the floor.
In recent days, Iguodala has also sought a second opinion from doctors, according to an ESPN report. On Wednesday, Iguodala confirmed the report, while saying it was standard practice.
Weve had a lot of opinions, Iguodala said. I think thats just standard. I think that can be, not blown out of proportion by someone reporting it, but it can be taken as someone not doing their job. But its all due diligence Were all on the same page at this point.
Prior to Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, Warriors coach Steve Kerr Iguodalas absence is a matter of his body simply not responding.
If he could play, he would play. His body had just not responded to this point, Kerr said. Were still hoping over the next few days if were able to win [Monday], that hell make some improvement. But he has not gotten to where he needs to be.
Said Warriors general manager Bob Myers: Its one of those things that it heals when it heals. Id love to say  thats a nice way to say it  that Im guardedly optimistic. But I have no way to say when that will be. I dont think anybody does. Your body heals when it heals. When hes out there and able to run and jump, hell play. Its the Finals. Theres nothing to save it for. At this point, he cant. For his sake and ours, I hope he can get back soon.
Iguodalas presence could be vital in the series against the Cavaliers, in part because of his ability to defend former MVP, LeBron James. Three years ago, Iguodalas defense on the three-time champion earned him a Finals MVP trophy, as the Warriors beat the Cavaliers in six games to claim their first title in 40 years.
Hes a big plus to their team, obviously defensively, said Cavaliers guard JR Smith. Hes one of those guys who does so many things that dont show up in the stat sheet. He rebounds, takes charges, pushes the ball, finds the open man, makes a shot when he needs to, hes a great cutter, extremely athletic. Theyll tell you theyre going to miss him. We know that  he won MVP the first time we played them. Hes a big part of their team.