“I’m Andre Iguodala. You don’t know who I am? I’m rich, bitch!”
Can’t say anything to Andre Iguodala now; the man got paid, in a big way. He played a very aggressive hand of poker with the Sixers. He pushed all-in last summer by turning down a $57 million extension when everyone thought he was out of his damn mind. The idea: take home an even bigger pot this summer. His plan came to fruition today as he officially signed a six-year, reported $80 million guaranteed contract. He also has the potential to make an additional $5 million in performance incentives over the course of the contract as well.
Andre and his agent Rob Pelinka are probably somewhere rockin’ these t-shirts and sipping tons of Andre Iguodala Koolaid, in every flavor. And like that cheap champagne the magnitude of this deal probably gives many of you a headache.
“EH” – That’s How I Feel About Iguodala’s New Contract
My philosophy: I personally don’t care if a player is overpaid (perceived to be) because it’s not my money. He isn’t my employee whose salary I must pay. They are nothing more than players on a team I avidly support. Will I debate the validity of that perception? Absolutely, that is why this blog exists. To serve as an open discussion on topics like this.
“But you’re going to feel his inflated contract at that box office.”
The Sixers aren’t over the luxury tax threshold. This isn’t like baseball where owners easily pass the cost of big salaries to the fans. And often line their pockets by milking us for everything we have. Basketball has a salary cap that helps keep that relatively in check. More importantly, I am willing to pay a premium for high performance and winning.
What really matters to me?
- Maintaining chemistry and momentum
- Making sure the Sixers have the ability to improve the team where needed going forward
- Avoiding spite and lack of motivation because of players’ contract situations
- Getting the best deal given all the circumstances
The Bottom Line
If we win a championship do you really care how much money Andre Iguodala was overpaid? This team has the best chance to win a title in the next few years of any Sixers team since Doc and Moses were sporting the red, white and blue. And that includes the Finals appearance of 2000 76ers (they had no shot to beat the Lakers).
We rarely miss an opportunity to rip Philadelphia sports management, as fans, for not spending on talent, not going after the necessary pieces to put our teams in contention for championships and not showing a genuine commitment to winning. On the flip side we should show the gumption to praise them in situations when they go above and beyond to better our teams.
Did the Sixers overpay for Andre Iguodala? Yes, I believe so. But what were the alternatives? Gamble next season in the unrestricted market with our 2nd and 3rd best players and potentially squander away the 3-4 year window with Brand at his best? Or to complete a sign-and-trade that would likely net us a lesser player, if only slightly, than Iguodala?
I have to commend Ed Stefanski and the Sixers organization for coughing up a few more ducats than expected to get the job done. Even if I think they were bidding against themselves and went a bit overboard. It was in support of Ed Stefanski’s championship plan. And I am completely on board with Stefanski and that plan right now, so I can live with Iguodala’s pockets being a little fatter.
My Consolation
Higher expectations for AI2. If he doesn’t continue to progress this season and stinks it up in the playoffs again, I will simply BOOOOO the crap out of him like the front-running Philly fan that I am!
Loading ...
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know what overpaid in the world of sports is anymore. Kevin Garnett was probably overpaid when he he got his first of two $100M contracts but who knows.
I’m just happy we have a team that can challenge for a title in the very near future.
i have already stated my disappointment in this signing and that we should have went a different direction. however, now that this is done, i will staunchly support Iguodala and our 55-win team this season. hopefully having Brand will take pressure of iguodala and he will accept a lesser role.
Great caption and picture choice, Dannie. Says it all.
Astonishing, the dominance of the man! As a longtime Sixer fan, I feel privileged to have wished to see him excel. What a player he must be, quoth Stefanski, evermore. (Loopy decision, Ed.)
There isn’t much left to say about the deal at this point. The ubiquitous Andre Iguodala had become the “Brett Favre” of Recliner GM. With the season’s upcoming roster virtually in tact, we have a bit more clarity as to what kind of team we have on our hands.
Hopefully Iggy keeps up the high level now that he’s paid. I mean, last year technically was a contract year, right?
Iggy was and I’d say still is my favorite current player. He’s a hard worker and so hopefully will do all that he can to justify his salary.
As far as last year being a contract year, I couldn’t see any difference in the amount of effort he put forth. It has always been in the 95 – 100% range every game, which is as high as you can expect from a player. Last year his numbers were better, but thats really just because he had more experience. His playoff performance reflected how much experience he had in that area.
Its a done deal, he was a little overpaid, but what are we gonna do?
Ideal situation – he works like hell to show he’s worth what he got
Less than perfect situation – his numbers go down with Brand in the mix, but still stays a defensive weapon
Worst case scenario – he takes the money and is halfway to Mexico before we can say sign-and-trade
JYurk, The deal was just officially announced, and there’s nothing left to say? AI2 has only just begun to calculate his padded paycheck…and comprehend that his 4th quarter rim diameter just shrunk a quarter inch. And we, as fans, have only just begun our dutiful watch and commentary.
OK…I thought about re-posting what I said under the initial “Iguodala signs for 80+ million” topic that was put up last Tuesday. Instead, I will just put a link here. My comment is #9.
I think Dannie summed it up pretty well, and I agree with what he’s said. As far as over paying, I think there are two schools of thought.
The first way to look at it would be that you wanted the Sixers to keep Iguodala, but they paid him too much. Well, like Dannie said, if we win a championship, will you care that we overpaid to keep him? On the flip side, if he walked and we didn’t win a championship, would you bash management for not paying whatever was necessary to keep him?
The second way of looking at it would be that you did not want the Sixers to keep Iguodala. There could be many reasons for this view. For example, you might think that Iguodala is simply not that good a player; that we need to bring in somebody better than him to truly become a championship contender. You might think that he is a good player, but for that kind of money we could get someone even better. You might be right, but that still leaves a few questions. Such as who could we have gotten this year(not a pie in the sky, fantasy acquisition, but a realistic pickup)? If there was nobody out there this year, then when would we get this guy? How much would he get paid? How long before he gels with the team? When you’re talking about going an alternate route, all of those questions become valid concerns.
I think Brand played a major role either way you look at it. Our window of opportunity with him is 5 years, max. That puts pressure on the organization. So, in the first case, you like the nucleus you have and you will over pay to keep it intact. In the second case, all of those questions come into play. The organization decides to not risk wasting any of the time they have with Brand in an attempt to acquire, pay, and integrate another player who may or may not end up improving the team beyond the point that Iguodala can.
That’s what it comes down to for me, the team. Sure there are better individual players than Iguodala out there, but will they mesh better and improve the team more than he does?
Obviously, ES felt that this was the best route for the Sixers to take. I trust him, but only time will tell.
Alright, here’s my problem with it…
Yeah it was more than he deserved and I’d be one to subscribe to the “it’s not my money so what do I care” train of thought…if they hadn’t included a sixth year. It seems that in order to build a successful franchise in the NBA you should aim to have all your big contracts come off the books in the same year, which meant if we were not getting Iggy at a value, he should have been given the same length as Brand, 5 years so we could once again be big players in free agency at that time.
Overpaid-Slightly, but it’s much better than us sweating it out on what’s going to happen next summer.
As a fan, I feel very comfortable with the team right now. I mean, ‘dre Miller’s future is uncertain, but I’m cool with that. We now have Lou (who I think can eventually take over for Miller), Iguodala and Brand locked up for the next 5 years. Without major injuries, we’ll be in contention for half a decade! Or at least in the playoffs. If we let Iggy sign the qualifying offer or pulled off a sign-and-trade, I don’t know if I could say that last statement confidently.
He’s a hard worker and I’m almost certain he’ll earn it anyways.
AI2 definitely said all the right things at the press conference and was dressed like an $80M man to boot.
Did anyone catch the quote about when he found out about Brand it was like 3a.m. and he texted him and Brand asked him what he was doing up and he said he was watching tape. He very well could have been full of crap with that comment but on the fly I tend to believe it to be true. That is great to hear.
Working on his jumper and watching tape this summer. I like it.
@Duke – your point is valid. But that is what I meant when I said in the post “best deal considering the circumstances.” There was no way Iguodala was taking a 5-year deal when every other RFA got a 6-year deal.
At 30-year old he will be a good expiring contract and player who can still play and contribute to a good team, so he shouldn’t be too tough to move early if need be.
jumpin:
Of course we begin our dutiful watch and commentary. Andre, undoubtedly, will be the most heavily scrutinized player on the team next year. Maybe it was a poor choice of my words on my end, but I just feel like us posters have made our points about the deal itself and I’m anxious to discuss other Sixer related matters.
That’s not to say I don’t want to hear anyone else’s views or opinions, as this is probably the forum for the most knowledgeable Sixers fans around. Dannie’s post was also top notch, covering all the main points with deft commentary.
That’s awesome to hear that Iguodala was watching tape at 3 in the morning. I think he’ll flourish as a number 2.
JYurk, I know what you mean. There’s not much else in the way of news to bounce off of at this time of year. 2 short months and back in business though!
Are you guys interested in Olympic related posts?
I agree that Iggy is slightly overpaid. However it is what it is. I think one good thing is that the 6th year is an opt out year. After seeing what kind of money elton brand commanded at 29 after opting out I think Iggy will be highly motivated to improve his game in order to get what he will want to be his huge payday.
Dannie…That would be interesting. I’m sure I could render a few opinions. There are a lot of things to talk about. You’ve got Phelps, the baloney Bolt pulled at the end of his 100 meter race, among others. I have mentioned here recently that I was a swimmer years ago and I have been a runner for many years. We might be able to converse on a wide range of Olympic sports. We may have some current or former rowers, shooters, archers, weightlifters, cyclists, gymnasts, and more among us and we don’t even know it.
Dannie, Iggy now has a target on his back for Philly criticism if he doesn’t perform to the fans liking. We’ll have to see how he reacts to this pressure. I’m kind of betting on him. Again, let’s give the sixers organization props for signing quality people and players even if we overpay a bit.
Personally, I’m not interested in Olympics discussion but I am watching some. Nice to watch in High Def! Loved that badmitton match between the 2 chinese women. Can’t believe I said that. Even watched some soccer. Can’t believe I said that again! Olympic Basketball doesn’t do it for me. Not a Kobe fan but nice to see Dwayne Wade is back..
@2one5 – Excellent point.
@SFW - I just want the US team to shut up the doubters (Rich Bucher) and haters. But I am more excited about seeing Dwayne Wade back again. I’ve been defending this guys ability since he was in the backcourt with Diener at Marquette. He looks like Flash again for sure.
@BSKI – I’m not big into all of the Olympics like say Pete is, but I am fishing for something to mix in with the Sixers talk. And it’s not even normal coverage of the competitions because right now that very saturated. I was thinking of something that may really drive some conversation and/or really piss some people off like a top 10 list of Olympic sports I would cut and then a list on what I would add.
Dannie, that might do it. Although I’m a handball and badmitton convert. I heard there is a 6′11” volleyball player on USA? Gotta go.
Dannie…You could always run a test topic up the flagpole and see what the response is. BTW, I just posted under the Phillies Ramblings topic and my HTML tags were not accepted. It looks like a mess. Since you have added upgrades I can’t use the HTML tags anymore or what?
From Bski: “We might be able to converse on a wide range of Olympic sports. We may have some current or former rowers, shooters, archers, weightlifters, cyclists, gymnasts, and more among us and we don’t even know it.”
Actually, my brother just competed for the U-23 National Rowing Team in Germany in July and is training to make the 2012 team. Also, Erin Donohoe, who is competing in the 1500-meter race tomorrow went to high school with me, so there are some local connections.
Personally, I would welcome any Olympic discussion. Just the other night my girlfriend was yelling and screaming at the TV as Michael Phelps was going for his 8th gold medal. I’ve never seen her get so worked up for any sporting event ever.
See that Dannie? We’re already starting to find out that some of our posters (JYURK) are involved in and can discuss some different Olympic sports. Don’t give up hope yet.
BSKI/ALL – You don’t have to hand code html anymore. Simply use the nice little buttons you see right above the comment box now. Also, you don’t need to use <html> or <p> tags. They are automatic.
glad its done; did we overpay, sure but if you fgactor in he lost about 8 mill. by not signing last year we didn!t spend to badly. 6 years at what he turned down last year [11.4 mill.] is 68.4 mill. plus 8 mill. he lost is 76.4 mill. so looking at it that way makes me feel better about it.
@Dannie:
I’m with you on Dwyane Wade, it really is great to see the real Flash return. Loved watching him at Marquette, and I still owe him a huge thank you for his team taking Kentucky out in the Elite Eight and saving my brackets from looking utterly idiotic that year haha.
The past two years, with all the injuries to both him and Shaq, both Wade and the Heat had become this weird kind of NBA ghost…hovering around but not really being able to do anything. He’s clearly back, 100% healthy, and will be reminding people this year that he is the best SG on the planet not named Kobe Bryant. What scares me is he has REALLY improved his individual defense…he was already a pretty good defender, but this new part of his game will catapult him even higher as an overall player. A healthy Wade/Marion combo is easily the best SG/SF combo in the league, that’s some scary versatility and athleticism.
@Iguodala doubters:
I see why people keep using the word “pressure” to describe Iggy’s situation…it’s true expectations for a player increase with a hefty contract…but I disagree with the notion that he’ll have to cave or not cave under this pressure.
The game is going to start coming very, very easily to AI2 now that Brand is here. He is going to have way more room on the floor to operate for cutting without the ball, and far more one on one situations to attack the rim when he does have the rock.
I’ve always thought people have underrated his bball IQ, pointing to his high TO rate, which I feel is a mistake, and only a result of mistimed passes, which shouldn’t take away from the fact that he has a great eye for seeing the floor and where people should be. I feel pretty strongly AI2 is going to surprise a lot of people with how well he operates in a half court set with a legit post player there this year…I think Dalembert and Iggy are going to be open the most and benefit when Brand has the ball.
We finally have a team that will allow Iggy to cater to his strengths: defense (he slid last year, I expect a strong return in this area), passing, good handle, a great first step, slashing to the hole, hustle plays, great energy. I agree with others that are saying “we overpaid a bit, but that’s ok and we had to…now let’s go get some wins!”
…also, while quotes are just talk and half the players are full of !@#$ in sports, it was great hearing Iguodala give this soundbite at the press conference:
“”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.”
I’m glad we got it done and that there was no extreme contract drama with THIS AI!!
Now we need to round out the roster with two seasoned veterans and maybe a lucky young player.
I hear Theo Ratliff will be Stefanski’s veteran big man.
I strongly suggest that he sign Austin Croshere.
Why? Because he has:
-tremendous experience (especially postseason experience)
-solid player all around (especially as a bench player)
-versatile (just like the rest of our players)
-you really need someone who really take it another level
-the kind of guy you need when your facing some elite teams.
-someone who can hone in on the big guys that can go inside and outside. (similar to what Garnett did to Rasheed last summer!)
-makes a great strategy piece, especially come postseason time.
-can score in a variety of ways.
-The Sixers have had trouble guarding big guys that can hit 3s (Rasheed, Hedo, Rashard, Andrea, and even Garnett to some extent)
-have him “specially assigned” for certain games.
–Like you have pinch hitting in baseball, he can be your pinch scorer or your pinch player.
-It’s an 82 game season (with 20 back to back games, 2 West Coast Trips (First one: 4 games starting 12/26-1/3 (prior to that a trip in Boston 12/23) Second one: 5 games 3/17-3/23)
-played very well in both full and half court games (that was the way the Pacers played)
-familiar with playing in a deep, talented bench
-filled in nicely, as those teams he was on fought through adversity and the injury bug.
Add Croshere and this team can really be exciting!!!!
RealGM just reported we offered Ratliff the vet minimum.
seude has an interesting take on it, that DOES make u feel better.
i like iggy’s work ethic, he will keep improving, where is his ceiling? its left to be seen and that may justify the contract or not but either its finally done.
WORD FOR DANNIE OR IS IT DAVE & CO. : UR BLOG IS TRULY AWESOME, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Dannie, any anger toward Iggy!s deal should be tossed in a trashcan now that it is being said that if he signed last year we probably would not of gotten E.Brand this year. Can Elton have close to a Garnett type effect on this team ?
Jordan has a nice read over at sixersoul. I think you guys should give it a look see.
suede,
What do you think ES is going to say, the unvarnished truth? -that he was taken to the cleaners by Pelinka & Iguodala due to poor pre-positioning and market vagaries. He didn’t seem nearly as happy and comfortable at the rostrum yesterday as he did at Brand’s signing.
In response to your question, Brand’s presence will increase team swagger. As for their fortune, a lot will depend on remainder of personnel, along with his continued health regarding achilles. If healthy, count on (minimum) 18 & 9 and a more effective half-court team. The Garnett/Pierce/Allen troika is hard to top.
According to Phil Jasner of the Daily News, Theo Ratliff has decided to accept a deal from the Sixers for the veteran minimum.
Ive said already im fine with the contract, better to pay a little bit more a year than deserved and keep him, than to not have him playing the QO and competing against the league next year.
UPDATE: The Theo Ratliff deal is supposed to be done, 1year vets min 1.4 mill, I think. Im pretty siked. He averaged pretty good numbers last year w/o playing much.
I have to commend ES, I knew he would get us a big name, but if you would of told me 2 mos ago he would resign both Dre and Williams, score Brand and shore up the bench with 3 SOLID players and only lose Carney and Booth. I would have said you’re crazy.
Hey DANNIE, how about a UGLIEST players in NBA history post (calvin booth, Sam Cassel, T. Hill, George Muresan the list goes on) That could lighten things up after all this contract talk.
Yeah writing something short on the Ratliff deal now. Then will probably go away from the Sixers just for a break and post on some other stuff, so ideas always welcome.
Ryan F – we like list post like that I think Pete and I can come up with something along those lines.
I am very glad that the deal is done, I am a big AI2 fan and I believe that his game will continue to improve bc of his athletic ability, addition of key players around him, and his work ethic.
I also am very impressed with what ES has done in less then a year, how could the nets have ever let this guy go. There must have been some kind of behind the scenes power struggle.
Dannie or Pete? Would you guys BOO Jimmy tonight at the game for his comments or let him slide bc he was our MVP last year. I dont know what I would do, I for one, am not to thrilled about the comments he made to a very commited fan base in the Philly area.
@gcl138 – I would boo him if he goes 0 for … again. Don’t talk ish about us and then not perform on the field. The biggest issue I have with his comments is that they come in a time when he flat out SUCKS. And I really hope he knows that. Big reason we aren’t scoring is because our lead-off guy is NEVER on base.
I agree, how could he make those comments when he flat out stinks right now. And dont we have to win something to be front runners. We are O-for 25 years without a champion and we sell out for all of our teams and support them, what a dumb comment to call us front runners. We are paying outrageious amounts of money for tickets, food, beer (7 bucks a bottle WTF!!) and the emotion that our town puts into every game. Just has me flat out angry. We have had some out spoken players and none of them would have done this. Not only that it makes our city look even worse in the national media.
PS sorry to vent on AI2 post, but I had to type it.
@Ryan:
Great idea! Two necessary additions to any all-ugly NBA team:
-Michael Ruffin
-Popeye Jones
@Dave T
Good call, good call
Shawn Bradley…..baaaahahahaha
When are you going to do the post on Iggy as a two guard?
@TT32 – It’s coming. I still need to get some data and figure out the best way to disseminate the information in the form of a post. I’ve already started writing it though. But I have something else in the works right now ahead of that post/project.