Many of the trade rumors that have followed the Sixers all year, and last year too, have swirled around Andre Iguodala. The typical explanation has been that he's got a big contract that the rebuilding Sixers wouldn't mind moving and he's also a very good player that teams would actually want. Speaking to Tim Legler on 97.5 the Fanatic, Sixers coach Doug Collins was asked about how Iguodala has responded this season after being dogged by trade rumors all year.
"First of all he's one of the most unselfish players I've ever been around in my entire life. I would some instances go into the locker room at halftime and he would have taken 2 or 3 shots. I mean the other night were playing the Knicks and it's in the second quarter and they've sort of made a push at us and taken the lead and I want Dre [Andre Iguodala]. I said Dre [Andre Iguodala] you know I need you to be more aggressive now going into the half and he said "I'm good. I'm good. I got 10 assists." At that point in time he had only taken two shots. Tim, I think you can appreciate this I want Andre to get the ball into his hands early and than late to get him involved because I don't want to go through half's where he's got only 2 or 3 shots or whatever. Plus he can make so many things happen. He's got a great ability. He's really cut back on his turnovers and Tim you do it all the time in the studio and break so many things down. In the NBA if you don't play on the weak side of the floor these teams just zone you, lock you in, and you're in trouble. You can't score. For us to get the ball on the weak side of the floor it's so important and Dre has the size to see over and get that ball over the weak side of the floor and now we can play. It's been a huge plus for us, so I'm really pleased. His defense has been great. He and Elton have been terrific. They've played well together and Dre is in a very good spot. I think he sees the young guys and I think he sees his ability to really have an impact on their careers. I think he's really stepped up and enjoyed that."
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