Andre Iguodala on Philadelphia 76ers: ' I definitely enjoy being here' – NBA Update
Philadelphia 76ers guard Andre Iguodala has said in a recent interview that he would like to play with the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
Iguodala’s future has been under intense speculation since the end of the season, although it has become a norm for the off season for the 76ers. The guard was first rumoured to be about to be traded to the Golden State Warriors in return for dynamic scorer Monta Ellis and then linked with a move to join up with Blake Griffin & Co. at the Los Angeles Clippers, with centre Chris Kaman moving in the other direction. However, both moves failed to materialize.
Just before the NBA entered the lockout on July 1st, hence suspending any and all transfer activity, Lamar Odom was believed to be on his way with Iguodala supposedly going to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers management though put that rumour to bed, saying the speculation was agent driven rather than based on facts.
With the league in lockout mode, Iguodala and the Sixers both have time on their hands to decide on the future and Iguodala seemed happy to stay put in Philadelphia, where he has played throughout his entire career.
“I definitely enjoy being here,” Iguodala said at a local basketball camp on Saturday. “So I am definitely looking forward to improving myself and playing ball…”
The player and the team both are believed to be open to a move. Andre spoke to that effect and made clear that he was not pushing for a move, if it happens it will happen, but at the moment it is unlikely.
“I can’t say I would be surprised, because I wouldn’t be surprised, but I am not expecting it to happen,” he said.
Iguodala is a gifted athlete whose combination of speed and strength make him a standout in the NBA. The player is considered a defensive specialist, although he does possess an impressive offensive arsenal as well. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds along with 6.3 assists per game last season.
Iguodala said he didn’t really care where he would end up and was just thankful to be playing basketball at such a high level, something that he aspired to as a youngster,
“I am just happy to be playing basketball in the NBA. That’s my childhood dream…….I am living the dream so why worry about things I can’t control.” He said.
A stumbling block in any move pre-lockout for Iguodala was his large contract. A lot of teams did not want to fill up their salary caps before the new CBA was agreed on and are waiting to see what the new rules will be. Afterwards, Iguodala’s situation could become clearer.
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