Andre Iguodala is currently holding out from playing with the Memphis Grizzlies. The former all-star is seeking a trade or to be bought out before playing again this season. Could he fit in with the current Sixers’ roster?
Let’s roll back the clock:
It’s the night of June 24, 2004. Names such as Dwight Howard and Shaun Livingston are off the board, and the Sixers are up with the 9th overall pick following a 33-49 2003-2004 campaign. With the 9th pick in the 2004 draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected 6’6 guard Andre Iguodala, out of the University of Arizona.
Andre “Iggy” Iguodala wound up spending 8 seasons with our beloved team. He quickly became a fan favorite alongside Allen Iverson and Kyle Korver during his rookie campaign. During his inaugural season, Iggy averaged 9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3 assists while playing in all 82 games.
Throughout his 8-year Sixers career, Iguodala averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. During this time, he also became a quick fan favorite and staple in the Sixers’ starting rotation.
The star swingman’s career came to end an after the Sixers’ involved in a 4-team trade with the Lakers, Magic, and Nuggets. He wound up playing in a Nuggets’ jersey after an All-Star 2012 season with Philadelphia.
Since Then…
Only a year after being sent to Denver, Iggy was then involved in another multi-team trade, which sent him to Golden State. This ultimately set him up to become a crucial bench player for the Warriors as they set up their dynasty, where they won 3 championships in a four-season span. Iggy also picked up the 2015 finals MVP for the GSW.
These accolades led to him signing a multi-year contract with the Warriors following the 2017 season, only to have him sent off with a 2024 first-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Julian Washburn this past offseason.
Currently…
Now, as Iggy finds himself with his 4th NBA team during his 15-year career, he has missed the Grizzlies start of the season.
Iguodala made it clear he wants no part of playing with a rebuilding team as his career is soon coming to an end. This being said, he has decided to hold out until they either trade him or buy him out. But the question is, should the Sixers hop on this opportunity?
The Sixers
Let’s keep this simple.
If Andre Igoudala is bought out or traded, and the Sixers have an opportunity to acquire him, if they do not make an attempt, I will be sad.
Iguodala has proven himself to be a key role player. As he enters this season with 15 years of NBA experience, he is beyond a veteran. Iggy would be nothing less than an asset for the Sixers.
He has not slowed down in his recent years, playing in pretty much every game for the Warriors. While being readily available, he also fields plenty of playoff-and finals- experience, which the Sixers need to add to their bench.
Iguodala has no hard feelings with the Sixers. The former finals MVP, seeking another win-now team, shouldn’t be opposed to making a return with the Sixers primed for a deep playoff run.
Without going into too many numbers, Iggy has played in almost all of the Warriors’ regular-season and playoff games. Since joining the Warriors, he has averaged 9.3 points in the playoffs and 7.3 regular-season points.
In other words, he is a great veteran presence who can produce off the bench.
Iguodala has gained much more interest from the Clippers and Lakers. Both teams he also expressed interest in. However, a Sixers’ fan can dream, right?
So let me repeat. If the Sixers have any chance to acquire Andre Iguodala, they must at least make an attempt for him.
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
