What's Wrong With the Sixers? Redefining Andre Iguodala

Yesterday we discussed the enigma of Samuel Dalembert. Another Sixer puzzle is how they use arguably their best player, Andre Iguodala. Iguodala is an outstanding talent who is coming off a very productive season - 20 ppg, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game, good defender. This year, there has been much commentary about his poor shooting - his early season shooting numbers are down somewhat from last year but that is more a function of shot selection. Given his very awkward technique, it's a miracle that he shoots as well as he does. His shooting numbers last year compared quite favorably with the likes of Kobe Bryant, even from three-point land. But all that is beside the point. Sheer numbers can be deceiving. Iguodala is not a pure shooter, no matter what the stat sheet says. While Andre's field goal percentages may hold up against Bryant, or Labron or D. Wade, as an offensive force he is not at their level, no matter what the size of his new contract. Yet the Sixers and Andre seem to act as if he is. He is a multi-dimensional talent, but he is not the kind of player you build an offense around.

Let's cut to the chase. Iguodala should not be handling the ball as much as he does. His ballhandling and quickness with the ball are adequate only. He is at his best as an off-the-ball player, slashing, spotting up for jump shots, finishing off fast breaks from the wings - for those old enough, think James Worthy. A revival of the Philadelphia fast break with Thaddeus Young on the left wing and Iguodala on the right wing is tantalizing. It's true the Sixers don't have an abundance of ballhandlers. Perhaps Andre Miller should get more minutes. Perhaps Louis Williams, Willie Green or some of the other bench guys will have to elevate or cultivate this aspect of their game. Perhaps the team should go shopping. If the Sixer offense is going to get out of first gear, Mo Cheeks needs to retool the offense, particularly the half-court offense. And that includes redefining Andre Iguodala's role.