Give Iguodala His Credit, It’s Past Due
There’s been a lot of recent talk and several discrepancies involving the play and usefulness of Philadelphia 76ers’ starting forward, Andre Iguodala, and that’s just not ‘gonna fly’ in my book.
In recent years, Iggy has been one of the most sought after forwards in the NBA, and rightfully so given his skill set. The 6’6″, Springfield, IL, native has been a human highlight reel since his days at the University of Arizona, where he was an All-Pac-10 First Team selection and the Team MVP. After becoming an Arizona standout, Iggy became the 9th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Iguodala quicky jumped onto the NBA scene his first season with the Sixers averaging 9.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, adding on 3 assists and 1.7 steals to the vast array of skills the young forward would continue to show off in his 8 year career. Iggy’s stats jumped every year after cementing himself as not only one of the best slashing forwards in the game but also, an all-world perimeter defender making him an easy selection to the Olympic team this year in London.
Since 2004, he has had a largeer success sheet than most fans know of and he’s become more than an accomplished basketball player. He’s a 2012 NBA All-Star, 2011 NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, 2006 Rookie Challenge MVP, and a 2006 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection. Iggy also won a Gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, and received a Bronze medal in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Looking at his Olympic play off the bench, he’s been averaging 5.8 points per game, dishing 2 assists a game, grabbing 4 rebounds per game, while averaging 1 steal per contest as well. Iguodala is shooting a phenomenal 89 percent from mid range, 50 percent from long range, and 50 percent from the charity strike. Looks like Coach K knew what he was doing when he picked this forward.
All the hubbub around Iguodala making a splash in the league should be dispersed by time the Olympics are over and done with. Iguodala’s talents have helped propel the 76ers back into the playoffs and with increased play they’ll be right in the same spot they were last year. Only difference this time is the Boston Celtics won’t be in the Liberty Ballers’ way towards an Eastern Conference Championship.
Tyler R. Tynes is the Featured Columnist for the Philadelphia 76ers with Rant Sports, Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Buzz On Broad and 76ers Analyst for Philly Sports Nut.
Follow me on Twitter @RealTylerTynes for all Sixers and NBA sports updates. And also follow me on Instagram @TheRealTylerTynes.
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