Now hear me out before you caste judgement on a zealous title that you think may over-glorify the efforts of Sixers' forward Andre Iguodala. Honestly looking at the previous 6 quarters (before the obvious Kevin Durant takeover against Argentina on Monday night) without the help and perimeter defense of Iguodala, these games may have ended up a little differently.
As a city, we give Iggy a little less credit than he deserves as one of the best defensive swingman, not just in the NBA, but being proven that it's also in the world. Iguodala is a legitimate contender and member of the 2012 Olympic basketball team.
Iguodala has a large success sheet than most fans know of, he's more than an accomplished basketball player. He's a 2012 NBA All-Star, 2011 NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, 2006 Rookie Challenge MVP, 2006 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection and 2004 All-Pac 10 Team selection. Iggy also won a Gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championships, he knows what it takes to win and what his presence requires defensively.
Looking at his Olympic play off the bench, he's been averaging 5.8 points per game, dishing 2 assists a game, grabbing 4 rebounds per game, while averaging 1 steal per contest as well. Iguodala is shooting a phenomenal 89 percent from mid range, 50 percent from long range, and 50 percent from the charity strike.
Iguodala's tremendous defensive prowess makes him an easy selection to the Olympic team and a helpful choice to swing momentum when in a tough jam during play. At bare minimum, you won't see him doing the splits like a certain James Harden.
Tyler R. Tynes is the Featured Columnist for the Philadelphia 76ers with Rant Sports, Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Buzz On Broad and 76ers Analyst for Philly Sports Nut.
Follow me on Twitter @RealTylerTynes for all Sixers and NBA sports updates. And also follow me on Instagram @TheRealTylerTynes.
For any inquiries contact me via email: TylerRickyTynes@gmail.com
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