Andre Iguodala still struggling to get healthy
Andre Iguodala did not suit up for the Philadelphia 76ers in their disappointing 101-93 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday 16 November, and the high-flying forward could also
miss their next few games.
Iguodala, who is averaging 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and five assists per game this season, is struggling to recover from an Achilles’ tendon injury that has been bothering him since their
pre-season games.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doug Collins said that they have no definite timetable for Iguodala’s return, although he is hoping that the 26-year-old forward will be back the soonest possible
time to help them recover from a dismal 2-9 start this season.
Although Collins admitted that they badly needed Iguodala back, the veteran head coach revealed that the 6ft 6in forward told him that he hasn’t been in full shape this season, and he won’t
rush on his return to avoid any more severe injuries that could sideline him for a longer period.
“I was talking to him and he really feels like he's been banged up all season,” said Collins. “Whether it's been his wrist or whether it's been his Achilles'. I told him, 'You've got to get
yourself right.' There's no reason to come back for one game or two games and not be yourself and then be back out for four or five games or whatever.”
Collins also added that the busy schedule of Iguodala during the off-season might have taken its toll on the high-flying forward’s body, although he is not blaming the USA Basketball for
the current injury woes of the former Arizona standout. Iguodala played a key role in the gold-medal triumph of the USA team in the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey during the off-season.
“I don't want to blame USA basketball,” Collins said. “There's no question those extra games and that extra time does wear on your body. That's the fine line that all the organizations are
always walking; they all want their players to play and get that experience, but at the same time they want them fresh and healthy.”
Without Iguodala, Andres Nocioni, who scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds against Cleveland, will likely start for the second-straight game when the 76ers host the Toronto Raptors
on Wednesday 17 November.
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