People wonder why small forward Andre Iguodala’s name has consistently been mentioned in trade rumors the past few seasons. It’s not the large contract or the need for a true superstar, it’s much more simple…..the reason is Thaddeus Young.
Young’s best position is the 3-spot, but because of ‘Iggy’ he’s been forced to 6th man duty and occasionally starting at PF for ‘small ball’ matchups. Well, the Philadelphia 76ers lefty forward is now a restricted free agent and being pursued heavily (the Denver Nuggets showing major interest). We are about to find out how badly the Sixers value Young…because bringing him back will likely mean the end of Iguodala in Phillie.
This team cannot keep platooning Thaddeus Young in and out of the lineup. To their credit they held on to both Andre and Thaddeus far longer than I thought possible, considering all the similarity in their games. Nevertheless, Young has star potential and needs to have a consistent starting role in order to take that next step.
The 76ers re-signed Thaddeus Young recently to a four-year, $43 million deal. As a result, I soon expect 76ers GM Rod Thorn to be on the phone shopping Andre Iguodala. I don’t think you can have two guys with such similar games making big money… especially not in this new CBA.
I think Phialdelphia would be better off with Young vs. Iguodala. Thaddeus is taller, longer, and also a lefty. He has more upside than ‘Iggy’, who is pretty much a finished product now. Young averaged only 1.4 points per game less than Andre last season despite playing 10 minutes less a night (starting in only 1 game). While head coach Doug Collins might lose some perimeter shooting in this trade-off, he’ll more than make up for it with Thaddeus’s defensive versatility and activity on the glass. Plus, there is a strong chance that Young could grow into an All-Star, something Andre has yet to become despite being featured for all these years.
It’s going to be an interesting few weeks in Philadelphia as training camps open and the playing time is dished out. But don’t be surprised if you hear Andre Iguodala’s name in the rumor mill again very soon.
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i feel you, but who would be willing to take Andre’s contract of Sixers hands? It’s a big contract with little room for growth. Otherwise, I would love for Thad to start full-time.
keep them both. we need depth
Iggy is twice as good as THad! shoot, pass, dunk. No contest
Ur a tool son! Thad is a stiff. Iggy is an All-Star in the making.
Derek:Did not remember sieneg this on RealGM spot on, bro.You know how I feel about the Sixers not pursuing Hinrich I think that especially the way he is playing right now he would be a great fit with Iggy and Thad. I understand that a deadline deal of Miller-for-Hinrich (even if Stefanski and Paxson would have agreed to it) may have been quite disruptive for the remainder of he season and they might have actually missed the playoffs as a result. At this point, all I can surmise is that Stefanski really wants Miller back, and expects to get that done otherwise we have a MAJOR hole to fill next season when Brand gets back.I am just not convinced that Miller, Iggy and Thad can play the 1, 2 and 3 together. It would be nice to give them the remainder of the season to see if it would work, but I don’t think that DiLeo is comfortable with either Speights or Evans at the 4 for significant minutes. Hopefully, with the rediscovery of Marshall, we can see a lineup of Miller, Iggy, Thad, Marshall and whoever (Sammy, I guess) more often. Marshall can be the shooter we need out there he can play the 3 on offense and the 4 on defense, and we can give Iggy significant time at the 2.
PHilly is balling in the East right now, keep both. Wins worth the $.
Philly’s rollin’ , keep this group as is.
Thad should start over Brand. That’s the final move. Come on Doug, do it do it.