Andre Iguodala Named to Eastern Conference All-Star Team

The wait is finally over.

For the first time in his eight-year career, Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala has been selected to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game.

But unlike tens of thousands of 76ers fans who were glued to both TNT and Twitter when the announcement was made, Philadelphia's 6'6" swing-man made no special plans for what would soon become one of the biggest nights of his life.

"I'll be at Jrue Holiday's house for bible study [when the reserves are announced]," said Iguodala after leaving practice earlier today.

Iguodala is slated to be the first 76er to play in the NBA's midseason showcase since 2006, when Allen Iverson scored 12 points to help lead the East to a 122-120 victory. Iverson was also voted into the 2010 All-Star Game, but declined to participate due to personal reasons.

The 76ers will be well represented at this year's All-Star festivities in Orlando. On Wednesday, swing-man Evan Turner was among the 18 rookies and second-year players selected to participate in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 24.

Based on his offensive numbers alone, it's natural for some to question Iguodala's All-Star resume this season. Even so, the Sixers' forward is one of only three players in the NBA who is currently averaging at least 13 points, six rebounds and five assists per game (Miami's LeBron James and Houston's Kyle Lowry are the others).

What cemented Iguodala's All-Star bid is his prowess on the defensive end of the court—a trait that is often overlooked by fans as they fill out their ballots. Fortunately for Iguodala, the 15 Eastern Conference head coaches were the ones entrusted with selecting the team's seven reserves.

Iguodala's invite to the 61st annual NBA All-Star Game doesn't come without a fair amount of controversy. Notable omissions from the Eastern Conference team include Atlanta's Josh Smith, Indiana's Danny Granger and Boston's Rajon Rondo.

Although he's played it close to the vest over the past few days, Iguodala let his emotions show once he learned that he would be representing the Sixers in Orlando on Feb. 26th.

"The phone is blowing up," wrote Iguodala on Twitter, shortly after the announcement was made. "Thanks to [all] for the love... Truly a blessing..."