Andre Iguodala's Time With the Philadelphia 76ers Has Run Its Course
The Philadelphia 76ers had themselves a superstar in Andre Iguodala.
Unfortunately, he has failed, through no fault of his own, to lead this team to its fullest potential.
The team has suffered injury after injury in recent years. There were rumblings at the end of October that Iguodala requested a trade.
Now, Iguodala has been battling an Achilles injury throughout the month of November.
Although he appears ready to return this week, he still doesn’t sound as confident as one would like. If he re-injures his Achilles, he could set the 76ers back even further than they already are.
Even worse, he runs the risk of losing his trade value, which is what the 76ers need.
If the 76ers can move Iguodala for picks and expiring contracts, they may be forced to relinquish their superstar to be better themselves in the long run.
On paper, the team is solid. However, they haven’t made the playoffs in a few years.
Where Are The 76ers Headed?
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Iguodala is a fantastic building piece.
He is a potential triple-double waiting to happen.
He is strong, long and agile.
He has the skill set to be one of the premiere players in the game. However, it just seems that he needs a change of scenery at this point in his career.
The 76ers have a solid young core right now but the team has failed to gel together.
The team sits at the very bottom of the Eastern barrel with a 3-10 record. Some of the players may even feel the season is already lost as they have been without their superstar.
They already set themselves back by openly holding themselves hostage with Elton Brand.
Before it is too late, the 76ers should attempt to move Iguodala as they continue to rebuild.
The 76ers strength is their back court. Jrue Holiday, Louis Williams and Evan Turner are a great base to start with for new head coach Doug Collins.
Together, Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young make up and impressive forward combination, but one that is currently failing to produce wins.
The 76ers desperately need a big man they can count on.
Spencer Hawes and Elton Brand will not cut it for this team.
Iguodala is a fantastic guard/forward, but the 76ers may be better off allowing Holiday and Turner to blossom together in the back court than sticking with Iguodala.
Evan Turner Prepping To Be The New Star In Philadelphia
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Although Turner failed to impress in the offseason, I still believe that he has superstar skills.
With his size, speed, ball handling skills and vision, Turner should be an impact player in this league in no time. At the moment, he just needs to adjust to the NBA game after a rough offseason.
He was too excellent in college to believe his skills won’t translate to the NBA.
Turner is currently averaging 30:36 minutes, 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists. To open November, Turner had a six game streak with one steal in each game.
In all 10 games this month, Turner failed to record a steal in just two of them. The promise is there for Turner, we should see that Ohio St. Turner we knew would be a star soon enough.
Turner is a big reason the 76ers can afford to move a player of Iguodala’s caliber. Turner will give the Philadelphia fan base something to believe in while the team rebuilds.
Andre Iguodala To Denver, Carmelo Anthony To Philadelphia?
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One of the first trade rumors discussed a potential swap with Denver, where the 76ers would in turn acquire Carmelo Anthony.
Of all the potential trade rumors for Carmelo Anthony, Philadelphia may be able to provide them with the best package.
Iguodala may be the best overall player Denver could acquire.
Both teams would reshape their organizations and still benefit in the process.
This swap was tough to envision and although it would be beneficial for Denver, Anthony has not expressed any desire to go to the City of Brotherly Love.
Iguodala Marching In New Orleans?
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Another interesting rumor was Iguodala to New Orleans.
This would have ben beneficial for both teams.
First, Philadelphia would ideally like to move Iguodala to the Western Conference so they don’t have to deal with him themselves. New Orleans would have gained another superstar to pair with the trio of Chris Paul, David West and Emeka Okafor.
The keystone of this trade, Peja Stojakovic and his expiring contract, was recently traded to Toronto, nixing the possibility of Iguodala to N.O.
Iguodala The Missing Link For The Dallas Mavericks?
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Dallas could be a fine place for Iguodala to end up in.
For the first time, Iguodala would be on a championship contender.
He would feel instantly rejuvenated working with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd.
Running on the wing with Kidd would be perfect for Iguodala, as he hasn’t played with a point guard of Jason Kidd’s caliber.
In order to make this trade possible, Dallas would send Caron Butler and his $10.5 million expiring contract to Philadelphia. Philly needs to clear cap space for free agency as they rebuild and reshape their organization. Dallas would also send Philly a first round draft pick as Philly aims to get younger.
Butler is still a quality player and a fine veteran addition to a young team.
If it works out in Philadelphia, the 76ers may be able to keep him at a discount rate or at the worst, let him walk and free up cap space in the process.
Could Joe Dumars Push For a Move To The Pistons?
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Although Philly may not want to keep Iguodala in the East, Joe Dumars may push to make a deal to improve his Detroit Pistons.
Similar to the Dallas situation, Detroit offers Tayshaun Prince and his $11.1 million expiring contract, Chris Wilcox and his $3 million expiring contract and—most likely—a first round pick.
Iguodala would provide a major upgrade for the Piston’s both offensively and defensively. The Pistons desperately need to bring some life to the team and the fan base, and Iguodala would provide instant satisfaction.
Iguodala Running and Gunning With The Warriors?
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Golden State could make a push for Iguodala, who would thrive in the fast paced Warriors offense.
Working with Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, Iguodala would be a prime addition to the team dealing with David Lee’s elbow infection. Golden State would have an energetic and entertaining starting lineup when all five are healthy. Andris Biedrins, David Lee, Andre Iguodala, Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis would be a major upgrade.
Golden State would send a first round pick and the expiring contracts of Vladimir Radmanovich and Brandan Wright. Wright has yet to pan out for Golden State and with time running out, they may as well ship him off.
Philadelphia would gain the expiring contracts and the opportunity to scout Wright who could be resigned if they like what they see. Philadelphia would gain a pick, cap space and potentially a young role player for their team of the future.
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