Fans split on Iguodala's future
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Fans split on Iguodala's future
Matt Mullin
Andre Iguodala played in his first All-Star Game this season. (Steven M. Falk/Staff Photographer)
The 2011-12 Sixers season, abbreviated because of the lockout, can probably be best divided into three parts.
There was the opening surge, where the young team rushed out to a 20-9 start. Fans were excited. There was even talk of this team being a legitimate contender, especially after they thrashed the Bulls by 16 points at the Wells Fargo Center on February 1.
But the two months that followed saw the Sixers go just 11-21, and left them fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot. Fans were calling for ownership to blow up the team. Everyone was to blame.
The third and final segment of the season was perhaps where Sixers fans saw the best example of what this team was truly made of. They went 4-1 over their last five games, finishing the regular season at 35-31 and securing a playoff spot and a matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Shockingly enough, the Sixers knocked off the top-seeded Bulls (thanks in part to Derrick Rose's torn ACL), and took the Celtics to the brink before being eliminated in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Now, with the season in the rear-view, we asked Sixers fans to tell us who they want to see back next season and who the want to send packing. The results, as always, were surprising.
What to do with Iguodala?
Some love him. Some hate him. Either way, there is definitely a role on this team for Andre Iguodala. He is one of the best defenders in the league, and the constant knock against Iguodala is that he isn't a "number-one guy." People complain that he can't put the team on his back in the last five minutes of a game and carry them to victory. Those people, for the most part, are right. That's not who he is as a player. Sure, he gets paid like it, but Iguodala is not a superstar. Is that his fault? Can you blame him for a bad Ed Stefanski contract?
Once fans get over the fact that he is making over $13 million per year, there isn't much to dislike about the guy. He's unselfish, plays defense, runs the floor, has a solid mid-range game, can hit the three and has a great relationship with Doug Collins. He also was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Ok, he needs to work on free throws. I'll concede that.*
Because the Sixers' season ended in a loss, I figured fans would be down on Iguodala. He is usually one of the first to catch blame. Much to my surprise, fans are nearly split on the veteran small forward. 49.5 percent of voters want to see him back next season, compared to just 30.1 percent of fans after last season.
So will the Sixers trade Iguodala? Bob Cooney of the Daily News weighed in, and he puts the chances that he'll be back next season at 60-40.
Amnesty for Brand?
That brings us to Elton Brand, the savvy veteran who signed a max deal but has not been able to reach his full potential because of injuries. I like Brand, and what he brings to the locker room, but he simply can't get it done anymore.
I expected him to land on the "Go" side of things, but I did not expect it to be this lopsided. Just over 17 percent of fans want him back next season. What I took away from this is that a lot of people want the team to amnesty Brand, and use that money to bring in a free agent.
It's hard to disagree with that...as long as the right free agent is out there. If not, the Sixers can always bring him back for the final season of his contract. He can mentor young players like Lavoy Allen. Then, after the 2012-13 season, his contract will be up, and they can then target a free agent.
Backcourt on the rise
For all the flack that Evan Turner took this season, fans certainly gave him a ringing endorsement in this poll. Nearly 89 percent of voters want to see the second-year guard back next season. Jrue Holiday's popularity dipped slightly (98.5 percent to 94.3 percent), but he was by far the most popular player last season, so there was really nowhere else for him to go but down.
These two are beginning to look like they could be in the backcourt together for years to come, and judging by the way fans voted, they would welcome that.
Mr. Popular
As I mentioned, Holiday was the most-popular player after last season. This year, however, the honor goes to Philly's own Lavoy Allen (96.7 percent). I'm sure he was helped by the fact that he's a Temple grad and Philadelphia native. But the way he played in the Celtics series, guarding one of the best power forwards in the game, Kevin Garnett, opened a lot of fans' eyes. Expect good things from Allen in the future.
| 2012 SIXERS STAY OR GO | |||
| Stay | Go | Total Votes** | |
| Andre Iguodala | 49.5% | 50.5% | 5662 |
| Elton Brand | 17.2% | 82.8% | 5408 |
| Evan Turner | 88.6% | 11.4% | 5214 |
| Jrue Holiday | 94.3% | 5.7% | 4976 |
| Lou Williams | 65.2% | 34.8% | 5078 |
| Jodie Meeks | 27.9% | 72.1% | 4610 |
| Thaddeus Young | 83.6% | 16.4% | 4617 |
| Spencer Hawes | 44.8% | 55.2% | 4765 |
| Nik Vucevic | 81.1% | 18.9% | 3985 |
| Lavoy Allen | 96.7% | 3.3% | 4242 |
| Sam Young | 32.7% | 67.3% | 2935 |
| Tony Battie | 13.0% | 87.0% | 2944 |
| Craig Brackins | 21.6% | 78.4% | 2623 |
| Xavier Silas | 17.9% | 82.1% | 2576 |
| Doug Collins | 94.0% | 6.0% | 4401 |
| Rod Thorn | 70.5% | 29.5% | 3674 |
**Results as of 9 a.m. on 6/1/12
*I am not an Andre Iguodala apologist. I am a realist. Before you kill me over this issue, consider this: If he was making $8 million/year instead of $13 million, would you still feel the same way about him?
Comments (54)
As talented as he can be I kind of want to trade him. His plays are impressive and they make you think he's putting up ridiculous numbers but then you look at the stats sheets and its just not the case. Then add the injuries and I think we'd be better getting someone else. I read that Kris Humphries might come to the 76ers. I think that'd be great we NEED his rebounding: http://www.sportsrageous.com/kris-humphries-in-the-sixers-uniform-06-05-2012— nbafan12
Is it too difficult to report contract information accurately?
Iggy makes $14.7 million in the upcoming season and $15.9 million in his final season and this should influence fans' opinions since in the past 4 years the Sixers have done nothing but sign a draft pick or two and add a vets min player due to team payroll.— scmona- The Sixers were an 8th seeded team, that won their 1st rd series against a team that lost their two best players. It's not as if Iguadola is the final piece to some championship puzzle. He's a decent player on an average team. On top of that he's the highest paid player and they can potentially bring back value for him. If they can trade him, then they should do it in a heartbeat.— J.Bradley
- I like Iggy - he showed me a lot in the playoffs. I thought the opposite of Hawes. He is not a started but not bad off the bench. Brand showed me a lot of effort in the playoffs, but he is not a starter either. The team needs a center that can shut down the middle and make a 10 footer. They need a power forward that can shoot the deep ball. Young is not that guy, but I do like his overall defense and rebounding.— chollie
- I doubt you can improve the team or add value by trading him. Yes he's overpaid, but he does play D and has value. If someone else is stupid enough to take him off your hands for someone that improves the team, then do it. Otherwise, appreciate what he brings to the table and continue to live with the contract mistake.— prowler
- Iggy is a very good player, w/ assets. But he has trade value (especially after he plays in the olympics this summer) and between him, ET and Thad I don't know where the playing time is at 2-3 or 4. ET isn't going anywhere and at least he has heart, even though that jumper is atrocious. Trade Iggy for a VETERAN shooting guard or power forward. I'd love to see Paul Milsap in a Sixers uniform. We need a double double guy who just produces consistently. I've also heard talk of Humfries and Ilyasova, Amesty Brand and bring in a free agent for which ever one you don't get in the Iggy trade. draft best available PF there's plenty this yr.— brownrice
- Why are most fans so oblivious about defense. Iggy plays defense -- defense wins games.— 2smart4philly
- I agree with Chuckw(and other posters)who suggest that the Thunder will NOT trade Harden. Heck, different writers from both SI and ESPN have said, in the past, how important Harden was to OKC, and how much the OKC FO and coaches value him. If OKC doesn't beat the Spurs, or at least give them a 6 or 7 game series, I could see them doing other things, like making a decision on Kendrick Perkins or discussing Ibaka with other teams. I don't know if they would discuss Westbrook in the right deal, but I could see them trading Westbrook before trading Harden.— 76erfn
- C'mon blah I thought this was settled. Are you still holding on to your fantasies? Your boy started in the playoffs, played starters minutes, you had no Jodie Meeks to b*!c# about, no Collins quick yanks to b*!c# about and this is what he produced:
11 ppg, 36% fg%, 0% 3pt%, 68% ft%, 7.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.3 topg, almost a 1:1 A:TO ratio.
These are not the stats of a good pg, more like a Bruce Bowen/Thabo Sefalosha swingman. Outside of rebounding and good defense in the Chicago series on a perennial bench player he was pretty unremarkable. Holiday and Iggy clearly outperformed him. I know, I know you'll point to a handful of plays but we all saw the truth. His game is limited and he doesn't have star potential. Time to move on.— OG - I'd rather have Aaron Afflalo. — bearsfriend
- I think Iggy should go, for the reasons mentioned by most. He has the most value and he's most likely at his highest trade value now. I would add that he is also probably stunting the growth (and evaluation) of Holliday and Turner. Preferably trade him for a big or a big in the draft.
I also would not resign Hawes.
I'd keep Brand and save his value of an expiring contract. Unless you need money to bring in a high priced quality FA.
My concerns are that Doug Collins does not seem like he wants to use Turner at the point and does not want to use Thad at the 3. This worries me in that perhaps both of these guys are not playing in the position that best suits them and their skill set.— blah - True indeed..Collins is making a mistake IMO. If iggy is traded, allow Thad to develop a midrange shot at the 3 spot for a little while just to see what he can do. You're paying the man a decent contract to be a bench player and i'm sure lou will arrive near something similar depending on the market for him. Turner is clearly a 1 and can post up smaller ones, has better defense and sees the floor better than jrue. But Collins' man-crsuh for him will keep jrue(who is a better shooter) at the PG position and we'll witness him get served by williams, rondo and & paul all year.
- Collins doesn't want to use them there because Turner is not a pg and Thad is not a 3. Turner has the skill set of a 3 and offensively Thad is a 4.
- Thad does not have the body to play the 4. You saw it in the playoffs. Simply not strong enough. He could be quick enough and develop enough of a mid range game to be a good 3.
We both agree Turner cannot play the 2. He has a point guard mentality and can certainly improve on his handle to develop into a very good point guard. He sees the court well and pushes the pace.— blah - My post said "offensively, Thad is a 4", defensively he gats pushed around. He's a tough matchup for 4's, he's an easy matchup for 3's. Most 3's can hit a spot up 3pt shot, can Thad? Most 3's can help bring the ball up, can Thad? Most 3's can defend on the perimeter, can Thad? Start Tuner at 1 and Thad at 3, you'll guarantee a 2013 lottery pick.
- That Thad's problem...he's a pick your poison player...Offensively, he beats the slower 4's off the dribble and gets his shot off with quick releases around the basket...But the bigger,stronger,athletic 4's will eat him up...While his spot up 15 footer has improved some, he does not have the range or handle to effective play the 3...nor can he really cover athletic 3's defensively on the perimeter...He is a classic tweener.....ET can tried as Iggy's replacement.He is really a true point forward, but of course will be better served to solidify his perimeter shot, as well as tone up to contend better with athletic 3's...We know he'll fight. — bearsfriend
Voted to keep Meeks because he comes cheap and still has the potential to get better. Keeping Jodie is a no-brainer.
@bearsfriend I attempted to post a reply to your question but it wasn't oked by philly.com. The funny thing is I then posted it on the Aron article and it was accepted (right hand meet left hand). Bottom line my response is posted in the Aron article, if your interested— mtairy1- To the guy who said bring in KG, did you mean Kevin Garnett? really??
Your kidding right? right? Your trying to build a sports car, and you want to put in a engine with over 100,000 miles on it? KG is just about old enough to be Jrues' dad. Sixers aint winin' a ring for few years, lets build this thing right! so my grands can can have a team to watch— Lesj - @bearsfriend, here's why Iggy for the #7 pick doesn't appeal to me...the draft is a crapshoot. I don't want to give up our only trade commodity for another Speights, Thad or Turner...a guy who may or may not develop, a guy who may or may not fit our system, a guy who may help us now or may be a project who's not ready for a few years. Once we trade Iggy we don't have a 2nd trade option that going to bring back a lot of value. So we must make sure an Iggy trade brings back someone who is going to help this team, who already fits the system, who can contribute from day 1, someone who brings NBA level ability that can offset the loss of Iggy's defense and athleticism. I'd be willing to package any other player in an effort to move up in the draft but not Iggy.
— mtairy1 - I can understand why you'd feel hesitant (the safe play) regarding the Draft, and I do believe Iggy would make a GREAT third wheel somewhere,putting a certain team ovdr the top to contend...I always wished free agent signing periods were BEFORE the Draft, as the team could explore an Ilyasova or a McGee if EB got the amnesty tag...For me, thinking that the Sixers are in a "no man's land" with or without Iggy, that #7 pick represents a second pick in the top 15....which could serve two needs, or maybe secure something even better...If Iggy (and his athleticism) were 24, I'd totally hold on..But I just see depreciation in his game with wear....Last,especially if one's trust in the brass' Draft decisions is somewhat leery, the greater number of picks enables a better chance of hitting on some...The spots on this roster will be there. — bearsfriend
- Bear: I hear you, but agree with Mtairy1 on this one, although, like you, I loath the fact that the free agent circus comes after the draft, although I would imagine there are wink wink nod nod pre-draft conversations with agents of free agents before the draft. Of course, we know the NBA is squeaky clean, as seen with the late officiating in that Celtics-Heat game and with the #1 pick going to, you guessed it, the Hornets who were shafted by Stern on the Paul deal. — chuckw
- Now, this is a dumb article. If you read the posts at this site, you will quickly come to the conclusion that most of the fans here are morons. Why would anyone care what they think?— maurysline
- A local sports radio host made a good point yesterday: if Iggys defense is tops in the league, how could he not be selected for AT LEAST the 2nd team defense? I only say this because its indicative of how the rest of the league sees him. I admit that I saw Iggy do a few things in the playoffs that were inapposite to his normal decisions, but i think its time for him to go.
Lou as well. I wish him luck finding out how "valuable" the NBA believes he is.— frstrm - My 1st advice is don't listen to sports radio hosts, most are self promoting buffoons who's expertise lie in 1 sport.
2nd, go back and look at the all defensive teams, with the exception of Tony Allen every player selected was on a team that appeared often on national telecasts.You'll find Heat, under, Clippers, Celtics etc. Rajon Rondo made it and Jrue Holiday ate him up. The coaches who vote only actually play teams a handful of times so their exposure to players not in their division is limited. Often the vote is based on reputation which is fueled by exposure - Just because a sports radio host said it, does not mean it doesn't have insight or value.
Lets look at your point. Look at the two players who finished above Iggy. Lebron James and Luol Deng. I would say both are better defenders than Iggy. So, with that said, the radio personalities point has merit.— blah - I don't think that the team should anmesty Brand. The team is over the cap around $9 million and he's due $18 million. Brand is great in the locker room and when he's feeling strong, he can outplay anyone the team could bring in with the available cap room anyway. Let Brand play a final season and then perhaps the team will be able to upgrade in that spot the following year.— DeanoP44
- PLEASE IGGY IS A GREAT DEFENDER BUT HE CANT SHOOT!!! ITS OBVIOUS THE SIXERS WANT TO KEEP ET AND JRUE....ON THIS TEAM IGGY CAN NO LONGER BE APART OF WHAT THEY'RE BUILDING BECAUSE HE CANT SHOOT!!! His mid range game sucks and his freethrows suck and he really cant finish at the rim with both hands.... We have to see what we have in ET AND JRUE without Iggy handling the ball the majority of the game and getting the rock at the end of the game he's a good player but we have holes on our team like a shooter and a big man we gotta score...It was great knowing you Iggy— salis15
- Agree the 3 of them can't play together but are you saying get rid of him regardless of the deal? I'm a firm believer in addition by subtraction but this team will suck if it's Jrue and ET and we get nothing substantial for Iggy. I'm talking Detroit Piston level of suck
- What Hawes lacks, though, is physical strength to be a consistent contributor. I think it also adds to his injury history as well. If he can't improve his body and physical strength, he'll never maximize his talents. I would not want a guy on the roster who isn't 100% committed, and to me, that's how he comes across.— beegal99
- @chuckw: You're right. This is far from scientific, but just wanted to let you know that each person can only vote once.— MattMullin
- Matt: you mean the other 100 times I voted for keeping Xavier Silas did not count?? — chuckw
- True Cosmo, the Sixers shouldn't over pay Hawes, or Lou Williams for that matter. Both are good pieces though. But the reality of an NBA that has too many teams and not enough talent is that demand will dictate that teams will sign average and even above average players to bad contracts that weigh teams down like an albatross. I think Hawes is a decent defender in the post because when he's got his legs, he's can block shots (see early in season) and at only 23, he's already serviceable as a post defender. Offensively, he has A LOT of years ahead of him to develop a hook shot from the low block. I think he'll be in the top 6-15 range as a post in this league.— DeanoP44
- Iggy's trade value won't get any higher than it is now. IMO, he goes to either the Lakers or the Thunder, depending on how that series goes. I would only be willing to take Gasol or Harden in return, as either would fill a need. With Harden, Holiday, and Turner in the starting lineup, any one of those guys can get you 20 a night, as long as there is a legitimate big man in the middle who can pass the ball (other than Hawes). Garnett or Kaman could be that guy.— beegal99
- There is NO CHANCE that the Thunder will trade Harden, period. — chuckw
- You're right Iggy's trade value won't get any higher but you can forget about Harden. The Thunder ain't trading him and they don't need Iggy they have a perimeter defensive stopper and oh yeah their sf is Kevin Durant
- I don't care if he stays or go's just don't have Iggy, ET and Jrue as the perimeter starters. Please keep 2 of them and find a shooter who can play off the ball. If we're saddled with the 3 of them please petition the NBA to allow us to play offense with more than 1 ball.
- caught: actually not only more than one ball, but only three defenders. — chuckw
- Iggy and Lou to Lakers for Pau Gasol, or Thad Young to the Kings for Jason Thompson. Amnesty Brand, bring in KG and Landry Fields. KG could sign here if Boston fails miserably, but he would only get around $10 mil per season. Fields could be had for $5 mil per. I would also look for a backup PG on the cheap, like Delonte West. Bringing in a veteran presence who can contribute, along with size, is what this team needs to succeed.— beegal99
- Lou is not going to be under contract after he opts out of his final year. Also, Gasol is old.
- I agree so much with Cosmo, although Iggy's defensive acumen won't necessarily show up on an individual boxscore...But his versatility and leadership on the defensive end has to be looked as a key for the team's excellent numbers this season....To me, it's purely taking advantage of Iggy's stock, which in his All-Star season (purely subjective) his value may never be higher (increased exposure shutting down Deng and Pierce for the most part)...No Sixer IMO should be untouchable if the right offer comes along, and there are definite needs, whether an atnletic big or sniper with range can be secured...Evan Turner simply does not command the value Iggy can at the moment, and both can do similar things on the court, outside of Iggy's thunderous finishes on the break...Last, Iggy turns 29 this season, has endured chronic knee tendonitis these past 2 seasons...and with the pending Olympic trials,and a fair chance Iggy makes it...well, I'd bet on a third...Two years left on Iggy's deal,so some teams will have him on their "wish list". But the question is, how much will they pay.— bearsfriend
- @CosmoK: That is kind of what I was saying. I think he would thrive with a legit No. 1 option playing alongside him. They thought that was going to be Brand, but we all know how that turned out.
@tkohl: I don't that that it is him hogging the ball, as much as it is that they don't have anyone else to be the man in that moment. Going forward, it will likely be Holiday. But he wasn't ready for that spot for most of the last two season. This season he seemed to step into that role. Even if Iggy is back next season, I think you will see Jrue get the call in those spots...— MattMullin - @Deano. Your statement would be 100% accurate if it went on to say "if they cut loose 23 year old centers capable of averaging a double-double..." ...that are soft, play little defense, and have a history of injury issues. I like Hawes as a player, but a team will overpay him for the exact reasons you state, but it will be a big mistake, as it would be for the sixers to bring him back on a big contract.— CosmoK
- I disagree with your assessment of Iguodala...if he were an unselfish player who knew his role on this team he would not demand or hog the possession in the last two minutes of a game trying to make a big shot we know he is incapable of making, or hold the ball waiting to get fouled so he can miss shots at the line. I know he had a couple big plays in the playoffs this season, but his track record is abysmal. Trade for a Big and Draft a SG who can shoot— tkohl
- Simpy asking stay or go is ridiculous. Anyone can stay or go depending on the circumstances. There are no untouchables and no gotta gos. What can we get in return? How do they affect our cap space? Is there a better option available? Are they willing to accept a lesser role? These are the issues that affect stay or go.
As for Iggy I posted elsewhere he is our only real tradable commodity. Jrue, Thad and ET have modest value but I think Thad & ET's may have dropped during the playoffs. Lavoy & Vucevic have throw-in value and Brand's expiring contract will be valuable at next season's trade dealine but that's it. Iggy has the most value on today's market but I wouldn't trade him just to trade him. I wouldn't trade him for a draft pick. This is a deep draft it may not be a star driven draft and you can make a mistake. I would only trade him for a proven NBA player that we know can help this team like Gasol. Packaging Iggy & Vuc for Gasol & Ebanks is worth it, trading him for a "maybe" draft pick or just to get rid of him is not.— mtairy1 - Iggy has to go ....We've been waiting for 2 years now to see what ET and Jrue can do together by having the proper spacing and being able to be the primary ball handlers on the squad...Forget the contract Iggy and ET cant play together as of right now ETs upside is higher then Iggy...Iggy is what he is great defender who cant shoot...ET cant shoot but he can handle the rock get to an spot on the floor finish with both hands and play solid d....It was good knowing you Iggy — salis15
- Mtariy1: this goes beyond the silly stay or go question; this poll is about as scientific as mud wrestling. An anonymous online poll where ANYONE, Sixers fans or Knicks fans or Celtics fans, Turnerites, an obsessive Lou Williams fan (hello Bear), can vote early and often is useless. I would imagine Rod Thorn sat at his computer and voted 1,000 times to bring him back after his outstanding tenure as GM. My concern with Iguodala, as I have stated before, involves his knees, particularly given the way he plays and the minutes he logs. Best to move him while he still has value. — chuckw
- Figuring that Iggy has 2 years of service (current contract length) left on the team, with the potential of being somewhat hampered by the tendonitis and other lower body issues, ouldn't the prospect of obtaining the Warrior's # 7 pick appeal?...While this draft is not filled with any "no brainers", it does have a plethora of good players, and at 7, even has a few "high end" types that would be easier to select if a # 15 still exists as well....Lots of interesting combinations there. — bearsfriend
- Seems as if a number of fans and media think that teams will give the Sixers whatever they want in a trade and that franchises can really get ahead if they cut loose 23 year old centers capable of averaging a double-double. Apparently, there is an over abundance of top notch free agents wanting to come to Philly so yeah, after the season the Sixers had, let's go ahead and gut the team.— DeanoP44
- Matt, this piece really annoys me. Most rationale fans acknowledge that Igoudala has a lot of tools and is a good player. The issue for most is that his tools don't match his contract and that, combined with the lack of controbution from brand, has prevented this team from pursuing a difference-making player. If the sixers could somehow add a difference-making player and still keep igoudala, i'd love it, but that is not possible and so since he has some value around the league its a no brainer to move on from AI.— CosmoK
- It's not just the contract; it's failure in the clutch. True, he hit two big free throws after Chicago completely botched a game they ought to have won. But, game 7 against the Celtics is a classic if you wish to understand a fan's disappointment with Iggy in the clutch. It was once excruciating to watch Wilt wilt at the line. But, Iggy? Even Twiggy could hit more free throws in the clutch. — VANDERGRAAFK
- This wraps it up very nicely. — blah
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