Could Andre Iguodala Be a Part of the 2012 USA Olympic Team?
The director of USA Basketball Jerry Colangelo is reportedly ready to start contacting players about being a part of the 2012 USA Olympic team.
There will no doubt be some changes from the 2008 team, and it’s not farfetched to believe that the Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala could fill one of those vacated spots.
First let’s take a look at how the squad shaped up in 2008:
- Carlos Boozer
- Jason Kidd
- LeBron James
- Deron Williams
- Michael Redd
- Dwayne Wade
- Kobe Bryant
- Dwight Howard
- Chris Bosh
- Chris Paul
- Tayshaun Prince
- Carmelo Anthony
At first glance one could guess that perhaps three to five spots will be open for the 2012 team. Guys like Jason Kidd, Michael Redd, Tayshaun Prince and Carlos Boozer likely won’t be back. So, there’s four spots open right there, not to mention the possible spots opened up by players who decline an invitation.
If you’re Jerry Colangelo, there are certainly other players ahead of Iguodala to fill those possible open spots. The likes of League MVP Derrick Rose, Kevin Love and Kevin Durant immediately come to mind.
However, Iguodala certainly has something to offer the United States at the International level. Don’t forget, he was a part of 2010′s USA team in the FIBA World Championships. In the World Championships Iguodala was forced to become a role player on a team that had plenty of scoring power. Iguodala’s best assets shined brightly, mainly his defensive skills. It was actually a perfect transition to the brand of basketball new Sixers head coach Doug Collins would implement in the 2010/11 season.
What the USA team lacked before 2008′s “redeem team” was role players like Iguodala. He seemed to relish the role of shut-down defender and spark off the bench. Iguodala fit the role perfectly, something he could do again if invited to be a part of the 2012 Olympic team in London.
Andre Iguodala Expects to Stay With Philadelphia 76ers
With the NBA lockout in its infancy, no one is sure if we’ll see NBA basketball in November or even further down the line. Of course, during the lockout teams aren’t permitted to make transactions. Some would say that’s the only thing keeping Andre Iguodala in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform.
For now, Andre Iguodala seems to think differently.
In what amounts to his first “public” comments since his foot-in-mouth press conference after the Sixers were eliminated in the 1st round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat, Iguodala seems to have a different view of his future.
Dei Lynam of CSNPhilly.com spoke with Iguodala at a local youth Basketball camp.
Iguodala has gone from “expecting to be in the NBA” next season, to hoping he’ll be in Philly when the next NBA season starts.
“I am just happy to be in this position that when the season starts back up to be on a roster. Where do I want to be? It would be great to be back with the young guys along with Elton Brand and I think we have room to pick up a free agent, so it will be an exciting next year.”
While Iguodala didn’t totally dismiss the idea of being traded, he certainly sounds like a guy who wants to continue his career in Philly. Iguodala goes on to talk about meeting with Doug Collins and discussing a variety of things, including his future with the team. Collins and Iguodala may not have seen eye-to-eye at the beginning of last season, but along with the rest of the team, Iguodala warmed up to Collins and his coaching style. With the young talent the Sixers have, and the improvement they’ve already made, Iguodala hopes to be a part of the Sixers after the lockout is resolved.
Philadelphia 76ers Fans Need to Give Nikola Vucevic a Chance
The 2011 NBA Draft is over, and it came and went without the kind of fireworks Philadelphia 76ers fans were expecting. Rumors of trading up and dealing Andre Iguodala danced in Sixers fans heads, but alas it was not to be.
At the end of the night the Sixers drafted Center Nikola Vucevic and Temple Forward Lavoy Allen. Both are big bodies for a team that is in desperate need of, well, big bodies.
The Sixers 1st round pick, Nikola Vucevic, has drawn some mixed reactions from Sixers nation. Some are thrilled with the pick, some aren’t, and some are down-right angry about the pick. A pretty typical response from Philadelphia fans if you ask me.
In my opinion, Vucevic is a need, and whether you like the pick or not he was the guy the 76ers wanted. They worked him out, he met with Doug Collins and they decided before the Draft that they would take him if he was available at 16. Moan and groan all you want, it won’t change anything.
One thing I will ask of you Sixers fans out there, can you at least give the guy a chance?
Vucevic is a damn-near 7-footer, the tallest and heaviest player in the entire draft. And get this, he can also move fairly well, and has some range from outside. He’s got some rebounding ability and a wonderful touch from underneath the basket. He’s come a long, long, long way since his freshman season at USC, that’s got to count for something, right?
Yes, he’s a tad bit soft. And yes, he doesn’t play “above the rim,” or have very good shot blocking ability. I know those are his draw backs, and for a 7-footer those are alarming. However, were you expecting an all-around type of player with the 16th pick?
All the names the Sixers passed on have their flaws as well, Vucevic isn’t the only one. He isn’t the “exciting” pick or the “sexy” player everyone was hoping for, well boo-hoo. There aren’t many “exciting” Centers out there, and there aren’t many “real” Centers period. The 76ers have drafted a 7-footer who seems to have some positives to his game, wants to learn and improve, so give him a shot.
I’m not going to say I watched a lot, if any USC games last season. I won’t tell you I studied hours and hours of film on the guy. But you know what? Neither have you, so keep your judgments about Vucevic to yourself for now. Wait; just a little while before you decide he’s the worst thing to happen to the Sixers since Shawn Bradley.
Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves Interested in Andre Iguodala; Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and the #2 Pick Discussed
Could the 76ers Draft Derrick Williams Tonight?
As I wrote earlier, the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a deal for Andre Iguodala. Now, you can add the Minnesota Timberwolves to that list.
The rumored deal with the Lakers would send Iguodala to the Lakers for Lamar Odom and Ron Artest. Now, the Timberwolves have reportedly gotten involved, and the #2 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft is being discussed. According to Sam Amick of SI.com, a deal that would send Iguodala to the Timberwolves for the #2 pick is “definitely real.”
This could be the start of a three-way trade between the Lakers, Timberwolves and 76ers. The deal would no doubt include the pieces listed above, who would get what has yet to be determined.
If the Sixers could possibly receive the #2 pick in Thursday’s draft for Iguodala, it would allow them to draft the 6″9 Power Forward out of Arizona, Derrick Williams. Williams is widely regarded as the most “NBA ready” player in Thursdays draft, and he’d be a fantastic peice to build around Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner.
We’re sure to hear more about this throughout the day leading up to the draft.
Andre Iguodala Potentially Headed to Los Angeles for Lamar Odom and Ron Artest
Iggy Headed to the Lakers?
As the Philadelphia 76ers continue to try and deal Andre Iguodala, the Los Angeles Lakers are the most recent team to pop up in rumors for the 7-year vet.
The proposed deal was first reported by SI.com’s Sam Amick.
What would the 76ers get in return for Iguodala? Rumors have the Sixers receiving Lamar Odom and Ron Artest in the rumored deal. The Lakers would love to move Ron Artest and his contract, Artest is owed $21.7 million over the next three seasons. And his addition into the deal would be the only way to make the money work. Odom is owned only $8.9 million guaranteed, while Iguodala will make $44 million over the next three years.
Surely, this isn’t exactly the kind of move the 76ers are looking for. However, in the end they will save some money, as Odom has a team option after making $8.9 million next season. Artest’s $21.7 million compared to the $44 million Iguodala will make is much more manageable.
