These are lean times for Philly sports teams. Baseball season is long gone, and the Ryan Howard Show is on hiatus until April. Donovan McNabb tore his ACL on November 19th after a mysterious gust of wind swept through The Linc and knocked him out of bounds. Peter Forsberg got hurt (again). And now the town's last remaining superstar has flown off into the sunset, towards the Rocky Mountains, leaving Cheese-steak Heads to wonder if maybe their best days are behind them.
But fear not, Phanatics: Hope doesn't begin and end with Allen Iverson. In fact, you all have something to look forward to—and no I promise it isn't Jeff Garcia.
In the 16 days AI (After Iverson), Philadelphia has witnessed the emergence of a new AI—Andre Iguodala, who has yet to go more than three games without setting or tying his career high for points. In the two games since Iverson got shipped to Denver, Iggy has led the Sixers to two wins—one of which came by the team's largest margin of victory in 2006. Of course it was over the Knicks...but in a season like this, a win is win is a win.
But fear not, Phanatics: Hope doesn't begin and end with Allen Iverson. In fact, you all have something to look forward to—and no I promise it isn't Jeff Garcia.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The young AI's recent success shouldn't come as a total surprise. Throughout his entire career (all two years of it), Iguodala has had to defer to Iverson and his 25 shots a game. Now, with the spotlight to himself, he can let his natural skills shine through. Take a good look at Iggy's game: He's as Vinsane as VC. And he wouldn't be the first superstar to need a little space before coming into his own. Tracy McGrady didn't become an All-Star until he crossed the border and got away from his cousin Vince. Joe Johnson didn't become an All-Star until he got out of Shawn Marion's shadow in the desert. If Iguodala adds his name to that list, Philly fans might have something awfully big on their hands.
Which isn't to say that Andre Iguodala is guaranteed to become a superstar this year; in fact, he probably won't. But it doesn't matter—he and the Sixers are both looking towards the future. That's why it's especially important to note what Philly got in return for Iverson: First, a true point guard, something the team hasn't had in years; second, two first-round picks, in what promises to be one of the deepest drafts in recent history.
Billy King might only be one Eddy Curry contract and three overpaid shooting guards away from becoming the worst GM of the twenty-first century...but the man can certainly pick talent. Since he took over the Sixers' draft responsibilities in 2000, he's squeezed water from rock after rock, bringing in players like Iguodala, Sammy Dalembert, Kyle Korver, and Willie Green without the luxury of lottery spots.
And so what's the prognosis? From where I stand, it looks like Iguodala will be the piece-de-resistance of a new and improved Sixers team—as well as a fixture on East All-Star squads for years to come. At only 22 years of age, Iggy has plenty of time to develop...so be patient, Philadelphia; it'll happen. Unless of course he tears both ACL's and retires or something like that, which you can never rule out with Philly sports.
In the meantime, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to cross your fingers and hope for Greg Oden.
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over 2 years ago
uhm wel since is x-mas al gud fingz happen bt as good az iggy iz (SUMTYMZ) he cn never been iverson..wat iverson did 4 that philly team waz jus unbeilevable..this is just 2 winz...and on top of that they had lost lyk 11gamez b4 that....u cnt jus say he is wat philly has been lukin 4...if he waz den 76ers wudnt have lost 11gamez in a row....
over 2 years ago
I agree with MUNYA -- Iverson is irreplacable. He was the greatest player in team history. Period. The King of Philly.
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