Andre Iguodala: Should the Philadelphia 76ers Forward Play Overseas?

Andre Iguodala is Robin and fans, and possibly even the Philadelphia 76ers, have grown tired of waiting for him to turn into Batman.

Prior to the lockout, Iguodala was rumored to be on his way to Golden State, Minnesota and the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for players such as Monta Ellis and Lamar Odom, and even the second overall pick in June’s draft.

After witnessing his scoring mark decline for the third consecutive season, Iguodala’s future with the Sixers became as murky as ever when he did not show up for his exit interview with the tea, following their Game 5 loss to the Miami Heat.

However, after meeting with head coach Doug Collins just before the lockout, Iguodala’s attitude toward the team seems to have changed. 

Not only would Iguodala like to remain a Sixer, but he has even talked with teammate Evan Turner about how to coexist and work together on the court (Turner had previously been considered as Iguodala's replacement). 

Although trade rumors are sure to pick back up once the lockout is lifted, Iguodala is still a Sixer.

And a heavily paid one at that.

Now that it appears Iguodala is going to remain a Sixer, fans can pencil him in as a part of the team's immediate future. 

In doing so, they can ask the same question that many players are asking this offseason:

Should he make the jump that other NBA stars are contemplating and play overseas?

Iguodala has said that he would consider an overseas tour, but no long-term contracts.  But what are the risks involved for both Iguodala and the Sixers?

The most obvious reason for not heading overseas is the risk of injury.

If a player gets hurt while playing overseas, their contract can be voided by their NBA team.  Players can purchase insurance before heading over, but the risk of injury may outweigh any potential rewards.

If Iguodala is going to remain a Sixer and is serious about coexisting with Turner, he may be better off spending the lockout working out with his teammate.

And on his jump shot. 

Iguodala’s 14.1 ppg last season was lower than his career average of 15.6, and marked the third straight season his scoring has declined since the 2007-2008 season, when he averaged 19.9 a game.

However, last season was also the third straight season in which his assist per game average has increased. His 6.8 assists per game led the team.

Iguodala has always seemed like a great role player stuck in a star position.

And with his scoring numbers down and assists up, it seems like his confusion is as great as ever. 

His All-Defensive Second Team selection shows how diverse his game is, but also points out that no other aspect is close to being elite.

If the lockout drags on into September and longer, Iguodala could have an opportunity to accept the team’s leadership role by organizing team workouts, similar to those held by NFL teams in past months.

Or he may be able to prove his leadership in another way.

By taking his chances overseas.

The Sixers have not won an NBA title since 1983, and have not had a winning record since the 2004-2005 season. The team’s last finals appearance came a decade ago.

However, with new ownership coming in led by Joshua Harris, the Sixers have a chance to put a decade of mediocrity in the past.

Iguodala’s presence overseas could significantly enhance the Sixers’ image on a global level.

The Sixers currently have just one international player on their roster in forward Andres Nocioni.

Since 2000, the Sixers have drafted five international players.

Not one of them played a single game for the team.

Their most recent first-round pick, Nikola Vucevic, was born in Switzerland but was drafted out of USC.

If Iguodala were to play overseas and have success, it could greatly improve the 76ers' image. 

As well as build relationships with fellow players.

Just as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh began talking about playing with each other in 2008, Iguodala can start recruiting potential free agents.

If Kobe Bryant were to join Deron Williams and play for Besiktas in Turkey, it could serve as a trial run for how the two play together.

And come in handy when Williams hits free agency.

Sixteen players have already signed contracts with teams overseas, with over 50 more players considering the jump.

Not every player will be able to find jobs overseas due to a lack of availability.

However, with the union’s support and clearance from FIBA, any player can make an attempt.

It’s easy to see how the Sixers have been overshadowed in Philadelphia, with the success and transactions of the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers.

The Sixers are cash-strapped for at least this season but, as their playoff performance showed last season, the team has promising young talent that are getting closer to finding success in the near future.

As of now, it appears as if Iguodala will be a part of this future.

And no player has more control in determining its outcome.