PCP Sports

Fans can celebrate; Iggy is back for six more years.

By Michael Gill

The final piece of the Sixers puzzle has been put in place. 

The Sixers signed athletic swing man Andre Iguodala to a six-year, $80-million contract, a contract that might have many Sixers fans scratching their heads.  A few days ago, I wrote that maybe the Sixers should think about trading Iguodala. 

While I am not a huge fan of the $80-million price tag that Iguodala received, I do think he is a better fit for the Sixers fast-break style than anyone else they may have over-paid that was available.

Keep in mind, again, I am not a fan of the dollars.  But sometimes you have to overpay for durability.  And in his first four NBA seasons, Iguodala has missed a grand total of six games.  With that said, he also also increased his numbers in each of his first four seasons in the NBA.  If his numbers continue to rise the Sixers made a good move here.

Lets examine what the Sixers should look like on opening night verses Toronto :

PG – Andre Miller- Miller had quite possibly his best season as a pro last yea.  The Sixers need his leadership on the court with such a young team.  Lets hope Miller plays to get the team to the playoffs and not to get himself traded.

SG – Andre Iguodala- Not a typical two-guard, but definitely a guy who can pour in 20 per night.  He rebounds, dishes and defends.  He needs to improve his outside shot and for $80-million lets hope he does.

SF – Theddus Young- What a story this kid has become.  From a questionable Billy King selection to a possible breakout star, this kid could be the key to the Sixers making a deep run in the playoffs.

PF – Elton Brand- Brand is the best power forward the Sixers have had since the Charles Barkley days.  He could be the guy who gives Iguodala room enough to hit the outside shot.  Lets hope, I envision a 22-points and 11 rebounds per night from this man-child.

C – Samuel Dalembert- Which Samuel will have a better season, Sammy D., or Asante Samuel?  This answer might be tougher then you think.  With Brand in the fold, I can see Dalembert getting three blocks per night and get himself in the running for defensive player of the year.

BENCH

Willie Greene- Will play about 17-23 minutes off the bench giving Iguodala some minutes at the three, needs to improve his outside came.

Lou Williams- The five-year, $25-million was a bargain for this instant offense off the bench.  In a few years, Williams might be complaining about how he needs a raise.

Royal Ivey- I am interested to see how Ivey is used, I figure he gives Andre Miller a rest and gets some time as a defensive specialist.  I can also see him out on the floor a lot with Williams at the two.

Kareem Rush- Another guy fighting for minutes at a crowded two guard position, I think he gets 10-15 minutes per night and plays the role that Kyle Korver should have played here, if he has to get extended time, then something bad happened.

Reggie Evans – The hard-working, power forward will be counted on to give some extra minutes now at the five spot unless they sign another player, due to the loss of Jason Smith. 

The roster is not complete, considering other then Evans and Marresse Speights there isn’t a player over 6-10 on the roster.  They will probably add another body that can play 8-12 minutes, but inking Iguodala was the final piece to a pretty good-looking puzzle.