Andre Iguodala Says Return from Leg Injury Near, Recovery Slower Than Expected

Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala said Wednesday that he is "not too far" from returning to the lineup. 

According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated, Iguodala also said that his recovery from a leg injury has been "slower than expected."

The Warriors announced Wednesday that Iguodala will not play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

Iguodala missed the final four games of the Western Conference Finals after suffering a left lateral leg contusion.

The injury occurred when the 34-year-old veteran bumped knees with Houston Rockets guard James Harden in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

In 13 playoff games this season, Iguodala is averaging 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

The two-time NBA champion appeared in 64 contests during the regular season and averaged 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

While Iguodala is often overlooked due to the presence of the "Big Four" consisting of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, he has been a key part of Golden State's success in recent years.

Iguodala was named the 2015 NBA Finals MVP when he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while largely keeping LeBron James in check.

With Iguodala out for Game 1, the Warriors will likely rotate defenders on LeBron with Durant and Green taking the lead.