Iguodala didn't enjoy last few years, he says
In an interview with a blogger from CBSSports.com, Andre Igudala had no problem spouting his displeasure with the Sixers.
Iguodala didn't enjoy last few years, he says
Bob Cooney
While the separation seemed amicable when it happened, it sure has turned a little bit to the ugly side now.
Former 76er Andre Iguodala, traded this offseason to the Denver Nuggets as part of the deal that brought center Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia from Los Angeles, said in an interview with Matt Moore, a blogger with CBSSports.com that, among other things, his time here in Philadelphia was draining, particularly under the tutelage of Doug Collins, his coach for three seasons.
Iguodala said in the interview: “I haven’t really enjoyed basketball a whole lot the last couple of years. Last year was a big year for us, but it was just draining for the criticism to be there every single day.”
He also talked of past coaches, including Collins, not wanting him to shoot three pointers: “"So in Doug Collins' first year, I didn't shoot threes because he was like, 'I don't want you shooting threes, I don't want that shot.' Last year I said, ‘I’m shooting it.’ And what happened? Shot 38 percent from three, top-25 in the NBA from three and I’m supposed to be a non-shooter. You put so much work in and then to be told ‘Don’t do what you worked on all summer.’”
It is no secret that Sixers fans could never warm to Iguodala, whether it was because of his standoffish personality with them or that they perhaps unfairly expected more out of him. Whatever it was, it was pretty apparent that Collins tried to sell Iguodala to the fans and media throughout the season, calling him the best on-ball defender in the league, campaigning for Iguodala to make the All-Star team and all-defensive teams. Iguodala did make his first All-Star appearance last season while being named second-team all-defensive the prior season. Iguodala was on the USA team that won gold in the World Championships in 2011 and the Olympic Team that captured gold in London this summer.
“I didn’t read anything but my feeling is that I had a wonderful two years with Dre,” said Collins. “I think he made me a better coach. The thing that I feel great about is that in the two years together – before I took the job I fought long and hard to really talk to Jerry Colangelo and Coach (Mike) K (Krzyzewski) about having Dre on the (World) Championship team and what he would bring to that team. Our first year we were plus-14 wins (from the previous season) and he was second team all defense. Our next year we go to the 7th game of the conference semifinals, he goes to the All-Star team and wins a gold medal. So I feel great about our time together.”
Iguodala and his new teammates will be the season-opening game for the Sixers on October 31 at the Wells Fargo Center. Seems the chance for him to get any kind of warm welcome has now been flushed.
Eh, these weren't Jayson Werth-type comments, I think you're being a little oversensitive Cooney. The context of your quote makes it sound more like he's referring to the media criticism moreso than ripping on the fans (which would cause a warm welcome to go out the window), but regardless, I think he's making a very human statement - too much criticism wears on a person.
Did he invite big-money scrutiny/criticism on himself by signing a big-money contract? Sure. But he's still going to feel burned out over years of haranguing.— evolutionary- Read that article Thursday when it came out, and while Iggy didn't directly bash the city or the fans, he made it seem like playing basketball for the Sixers just wasn't any fun...moaning over the coaches wanting him to drive and dunk, while he wanted to shoot 3's (which he did well last year)...The guy just doesn't get it, as DC went out of his way to promote him at all times, insisting that fans understand his value. Still haven't forgiven him for the SI article with Lou. While EB and Lou have said only professional,complimentary things about their experiences in Philly, Iggy showed his true colors. So much for the warm welcome on Halloween.— bearsfriend
- there a long list of NBA players that didnt like playing for DC and I see it end in a similar way with him being fired because the veterans cant/wont take it or listen— stayoutofphilly
- Very valid point. I thought the same thing when I read that, and I am not an AI9 fan by any stretch (at least not for the amount of $ we were paying him). — evolutionary
- Very valid point. I thought the same thing when I read that, and I am not an AI9 fan by any stretch (at least not for the amount of $ we were paying him). — evolutionary
- I'm glad he's gone.— ssaun
- There will always be a few negative types out there, that's all they know so don't take it personal. Listen to the many. Will miss seeing him play for the good guys.— gubbers97
- The fans didn't exactly knock down the doors of the Wells Fargo Center to give you love either, Brickadala. Good riddance.— dasher
- Boy, I must be missing something. I thought DC was far and away Iggy's biggest supporter. His comments here were pretty disrespectful. I liked Iggy's game when he was running, slashing and burning. He may have hit 38% from 3, but that's not his game nor is it what the team needed. They were at their best when he was driving to the hoop, not stepping back and hoisting up from beyond. Sheesh! Get some perspective, will ya?— pfes
- Not surprised by these comments Iggy-- It is ashame he waited until he left--One thing I can't stand is someone who is passive/aggressive. Agree with bearsfriend, and pfes comments. My advice to Iggy, LET it go and remember DC helped get you the recognition you now enjoy--(You got a gold medal with DC's help--DC had his taken away thanks to the Russians). Don't ever forget that! Classless comments, A.I! Lute Olson taught you better than that in Tucson.— dudega
- Doug Collins showed great character and class is describing his time with Iguodala. Iguodala didn't.— JBP
- Iggy to coach, " if you gonna pay me all this money, I'm gonna play the game I want to play, and if you disagree, there is something wrong with you" and also..."don't you know I'm one of the highest paid in the league, hech, I was in top 25 for 3 point per cent"— camasbud
- tried to like you Andre, goodbye— spear1
- As a team I dont know how the sixers are gonna fill the hole Iggy left when he was traded. Maybe they could use some of those brick he left all over the court.— AndyKotite
- The true definition of addition by subtraction.— syddan26
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
