NBA All-Star Game 2012: Why Andre Iguodala Is Not an All-Star

For a player who has endured more than his share of criticism, coaches and early summer vacations during his eight-year tenure with the Sixers, Andre Iguodala getting his first nod for the All-Star Game is certainly one of the feel-good storylines heading into the weekend, Linsanity aside.

He is unquestionably a locker room leader, a lockdown defender and capable of making a highlight-reel dunk at any given moment. By all accounts, he is also a good guy.

But what he is not is an All-Star.

An All-Star is the go-to guy in the clutch. On the Sixers, the leading contender for that role is Lou Williams. Iggy has been notorious for his mental lapses when the game is on the line, be it clanking an unnecessary jump shot too early in the clock, throwing the ball away while driving to the hoop or missing both his free throws when it matters most.  

An All-Star shows signs of progression, or at least maintaining a peak level. Andre’s points-per-game average has now declined for five consecutive years. He’s shooting a career-worst 43 percent from the field and an inexcusable, Shaq-like 62 percent from the foul line.

An All-Star puts his team on his back and takes over games when necessary. When is the last time you can say that the Sixers won solely because of Iguodala?

An All-Star has a clearly identifiable role on his squad. After eight years, do we even know what position Andre is best suited for? Shooting Guard? Probably not—he can’t shoot. Small forward? Not aggressive enough offensively. Point guard? Perhaps, but he definitely doesn’t fit the traditional profile and is quite prone to turning the ball over.

An All-Star is unquestionably the best player on his own team. Currently, that is very much in question. Williams is more productive, Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner have more upside. Thaddeus Young may even have more raw talent.

Andre Iguodala has fit in nicely for a team that has been arguably the biggest pleasant surprise in the NBA. But the reason is that he is a part of team which epitomizes that word in every way: a group of unselfish players whose sum is greater than the parts.

This weekend in Orlando, you will see about 23 elite ballplayers from all over the NBA showing their skills to the viewing public. You will also see a better-than-average player from a better-than-average team who deserves his share of accolades, too.

All-NBA Defensive Team? Absolutely. Redemption at the Slam Dunk crown which was stolen from him several years prior? Most definitely. A chance to learn what it’s like to get deeper into the playoffs? No doubt.

But an All-Star? Like an Iggy jumper in the clutch—no shot.