PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala was rewarded with a six-year contract worth $80 million, who helped the Philadelphia 76ers reach the NBA playoffs for the first time in three years. Iguodala was the ninth overall pick in the 2004 draft. He averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals in 82 games last season. But he struggled against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, averaging only 13.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game as the Sixers were eliminated in six games.
"We felt like he had a very good track record to warrant a contract like that," Sixers president Ed Stefanski said. "We think he's got the upside to become an even better player than he is today."
The 24-year-old swingman could have played this season under the terms of a one-year, $3.8 million (€2.6 million) qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next year. When Philadelphia signed forward Elton Brand away from the Los Angeles Clippers, it became evident that keeping Iguodala was vital.
"We clearly wanted Andre in a Sixers uniform," Stefanski said.
Over his four-year career, Iguodala has been quite durable, playing in 322 of 328 games while averaging 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
"I think a lot of guys kind of relax when they get their money," Iguodala said. "They're like, 'I got my money. Maybe I don't have to be as hungry.' My mind-set is to work just as hard as I always have if not harder every day to prove myself."
Who Is Andre Iguodala
Andre Tyler Iguodala was born on January 28, 1984, Iguodala is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association.
Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois to Linda Shanklin and Frank Iguodala, who was of Igbo Nigerian descent. His older brother, Frank, played for the University of Dayton and is currently a free agent.
Highschool And College Career
Iguodala attended high school at Lanphier High School in Springfield. During the summer of 2001, he grabbed the attention of coaches around the nation as he was named the AAU national tournament Most Valuable Player after hitting the game-winning shot at the final buzzer to give his team the 17-and-under national title. As a senior at Lanphier in 2002, he averaged 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, helping lead his team to the state championship game. He was named Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year.
Iguodala initially signed a National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Arkansas. However, after their coach, Nolan Richardson, was fired that year, Iguodala decided to go the University of Arizona instead to play for Lute Olson. He would be named to the Pac-10 All-Freshmen team for 2002-2003. In the 2003-2004 season, Iguodala would be named team MVP after leading his team in rebounds, assists and steals. He also made the All- Pac 10 team and was named Honorable Mention All-America by The Associated Press. He collected three triple-doubles that season, joining Jason Kidd as the only two players in Pac-10 history to post two or more triple-doubles in a season. After posting career totals of 594 points (9.6 ppg), 409 rebounds (6.6 rpg) and 95 steals (1.53 spg) in 62 games (34 starts).
2007 - 2008 Season
Iguodala came into the 2007-2008 season under much controversy. Iguodala was offered a 57 million dollar deal and denied, which left some to believe he wants "out" of Philadelphia. Iguodala got off to a slow start to the season, at one point leading the league in turnovers. He began to step up his game as the season went on, leading the 76ers to a playoff berth. The 76ers finished the season at 40-42, winning 22 of their last 29 games and earning a playoff spot with a victory over the Atlanta Hawks on April 4th. Iguodala averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game through 82 games. In the playoffs the 76ers lost in the first round to the Pistons in 6 games after leading the series at one point 2-1. On August 12, 2008 Andre Iguodala reportedly agreed to a six-year, $80 million contract. He officially signed on August 17, 2008. The contract has $5 million in bonuses and a player option for the sixth year.
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