Meet the Denver Nuggets Newest Addition: Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala.
He was unappreciated during his eight-year tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, the only NBA home he has ever known. While it’s the general consensus that 76ers fans — perhaps — didn’t appreciate Iguodala for what he could offer, it doesn’t mean he won’t be missed by that fan base. However, it’s less about the past and more about Andre’s new home in Denver.
Andre will be part of the run-and-gun Denver Nuggets, the same team who often gets burned at the perimeter by teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, with Andre, who will help tame Kevin Durant from downtown, it will aid in Denver’s fight for a top 4 seed this year.
The real question is: Who is Iguodala?
As aforementioned, AI9 has spent his eight seasons in the NBA with the 76ers with a fanbase who –as it seemed to outsiders — cared less about his incredible defense, but were waiting in the shadows for when he botched a pair of free throws or bricked a three-pointer.
He secured his first All-Star appearance in 2011-2012 and led the 76ers to their first playoff series win since 2003, in which Sixers fans finally gave Iguodala the accolades he so desired.
Season-to-season averages:
- 2004-05: 9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3 assists
- 2005-06: 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists
- 2006-07: 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists
- 2007-08: 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists
- 2008-09: 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists
- 2009-10: 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists
- 2010-11: 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists
- 2011-12: 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists
Despite his enigmatic personality, Iguodala is an upgrade for Denver. Fans are enthralled with his crazy athleticism, slashing style, and versatility, which are enormous upsides for Denver’s system.
Iguodala is a professional in a league that is riddled with players that don’t take the game seriously and often find themselves on TMZ or Media Take Out. He seems to put basketball before the culture of basketball.
In the past few years, Denver fans have put up with J.R. Smith’s and Kenyon Martin’s antics, and Iguodala will be a welcome change.
I’m ready for Iguodala.
