Iguodala's triple-double helps 76ers pummel Pistons

Andre Iguodala's definition of old may differ from most people but by NBA standards his age is looked on differently.

Saturday was a time to examine his age and his evolving all-around game as Iguodala celebrated his 28th birthday with the eighth triple-double of his career.

Iguodala did it the even way - 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists - as the Sixers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 95-74 before a crowd of 18,710 at the Wells Fargo Center.

"I still feel young," Iguodala said. "I don't feel 28."

In NBA terms, he is probably past the middle age portion, especially since this is already his eighth season.

Iguodala was a rebound shy of a triple-double after three quarters and even with the game well in hand, coach Doug Collins put him back in to achieve his first of the season.

The Sixers (14-6) led 42-31 at half and were never seriously threatened afterward against a 4-17 Detroit team. Lou Williams led the Sixers with 17 points, with Elton Brand scoring 14 and Jrue Holiday adding 13.

And with injured centers Spencer Hawes and Nikola Vucevic missing their seventh and fourth consecutive games, rookie Lavoy Allen continues to play well. Allen had seven points and four rebounds in just under 24 minutes.

There were many contributors to the win, but this was a night for Collins to do a little promotional work on behalf of Iguodala.

"Dre is a unique player and I love coaching him," Collins said.

Iguodala's statistics are far from eye-popping, but Collins points out the all-around game is truly impressive. Iguodala is averaging 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals. Collins has lauded him all season as a viable all-NBA candidate on defense.

One personal honor that has eluded Iguodala has been the all-star game, and Collins was more than happy to begin some early campaigning.

"I told him other day if we are at the top of the Atlantic Division at the all-star break, he has to be an all-star," Collins said. "One thing coaches say is we take a player off winning teams and if we are still on top of the division, I hope coaches say he is the guy who helped put him there."

Iguodala, who three times in his career has averaged 18 or more points a season, showed his "age" when discussing what an all-star berth would mean.

"I think when I was younger it was really important," he said. "Honestly I think I was snubbed once or twice and it really kind of affected me then."

He says that is behind him.

"But now I am at the point where I really want to win and really want to get the experience of the Eastern Conference finals, the NBA finals and that is what it is about at this point, and definitely the Olympic team."

He is among the 20 finalists for the 12 Olympic spots this summer. It's another example of the high regard he has in the basketball community.

Most of all, the old man has taken on some leadership responsibilities. Never the most vocal person, he does it the old fashioned way.

"I really try to lead by example," Iguodala said. "I think the guys have picked up the identity defensively, and see how I take pride in trying to get stops and it's rubbing off on guys."

Yes, the old man is rubbing off on his teammates, and somebody who at this point is truly acting his age.