Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Rising Star
As spring training nears and Chase Utley gears up for another 162 games, I first want to talk about what is going on over at the Wachovia Center. No not the stumbling Flyers who don't win at home or the Peter Forsber question but instead number 9 on your Philadelphia Sixers. He is quickly making himself into a star without another certain AI beside him. Yes I am referring to Andre Iguodala. He is not the only bright star on this squad but he is the brightest.
Iguodala is averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on the year. Those are the impressive numbers but since trading Allen Iverson, Iggy has played much better than those numbers indicate. In February, the Sixers are 1-1 but here are some numbers Iggy has put up in those two games. He has played 45 and 48 minutes respectively and scoring 25 and 23 points respectively. He also has a combined 28 assists. He has along with Andre Miller evolved into the leaders of this young team. His season-high in points is 34 points against January 24 against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a heart breaking loss on February 2, Iggy recorded a triple double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Iguodala has helped pull this team back towards a respectable level but he has been helped by others. Specifically by the combo of Steven Hunter and Samuel Dalembert. Those two have combined to form a very good frontcourt and Joe Smith has provided quality depth. The Sixers are actually better than .500 (6-4) with these two in the starting lineup.
The pessimistic fan will point out that they are playing themselves out of the Greg Oden/Kevin Durant. I am here to tell you though that the development of Iggy, Rodney Carney and the play of Hunter and Dalembert offsets the lower chance of winning the lottery. Also with three first round picks, Billy King could choose to package two of those to move up in the draft.
Overall the Sixers playing much better recently. They still have their occasional duds such as their games against the Spurs and Rockets but they have been much more consistent from game to game which has lead to more wins and more positive feelings around the team.
Also don't forget St. Joes visits Villanova tonight at 7 on ESPN2
Iguodala is averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on the year. Those are the impressive numbers but since trading Allen Iverson, Iggy has played much better than those numbers indicate. In February, the Sixers are 1-1 but here are some numbers Iggy has put up in those two games. He has played 45 and 48 minutes respectively and scoring 25 and 23 points respectively. He also has a combined 28 assists. He has along with Andre Miller evolved into the leaders of this young team. His season-high in points is 34 points against January 24 against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a heart breaking loss on February 2, Iggy recorded a triple double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.
Iguodala has helped pull this team back towards a respectable level but he has been helped by others. Specifically by the combo of Steven Hunter and Samuel Dalembert. Those two have combined to form a very good frontcourt and Joe Smith has provided quality depth. The Sixers are actually better than .500 (6-4) with these two in the starting lineup.
The pessimistic fan will point out that they are playing themselves out of the Greg Oden/Kevin Durant. I am here to tell you though that the development of Iggy, Rodney Carney and the play of Hunter and Dalembert offsets the lower chance of winning the lottery. Also with three first round picks, Billy King could choose to package two of those to move up in the draft.
Overall the Sixers playing much better recently. They still have their occasional duds such as their games against the Spurs and Rockets but they have been much more consistent from game to game which has lead to more wins and more positive feelings around the team.
Also don't forget St. Joes visits Villanova tonight at 7 on ESPN2
Labels: Sixers
