OAKLAND–Andre Iguodala spent the first eight seasons of his career in Philadelphia, but exited the 76ers’ organization before “The Process” truly began.
The Warriors’ guard left Philadelphia two years before former general manager Sam Hinkie took over, so Iguodala was spared the roughest years of the franchise’s recent history. Nevertheless, it’s clear Iguodala still cares about the city and its fans despite finding his greatest success with Golden State, and on Saturday evening, Iguodala will have another opportunity to square off against his former team which is once again making headlines.
For years, the 76ers were the best example of “tanking” in sports, but now, after assembling a roster full of top draft picks and young talent, it appears as though Philadelphia might be ready to make its move. Led by former No. 1 overall pick and trash-talking phenomenon Joel Embiid, the 76ers could have enough depth to make a run to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
On Friday, Iguodala met with reporters at the Warriors’ practice facility in Oakland, and offered high praise for the 7-foot big man leading the charge for his old franchise.
“He’s (Embiid) very talented, and if you’re looking for that one player who’s going to change the game, to take it away from being so perimeter-oriented and you have to double team him because he’s going to come to the line where he’s just going to punish guys on the block,” Iguodala said. “You have to move him from the block, you have to have a big out there and when you have game-changers like that, complete game-changers, it won’t be small ball as much anymore. So we’ll see how he continues to develop.”
When asked if he can think of a comparison for a player like Embiid who has the size to play in the post but the skills to stretch his game outside, the former 76ers’ guard struggled to come up with an answer. A reporter asked if Embiid’s size and personality compare to Shaq, and initially Iguodala compared the two players’ skill sets.
“I don’t think he’s like Shaq because he steps out and shoots it,” Iguodala said. “Shaq had a little handle, but Embiid has a fluid handle, he can actually handle the rock. In his post moves, Shaq had more of a hook, but Embiid has more of a, in the post he’s shooting jump shots. Kind of a like a little fadeaway, kind of like Hakeem (Olajuwon) but I wouldn’t say Hakeem but the potential is definitely there. A more athletic Sabonis. Yeah, a more athletic Sabonis.”
Iguodala was then asked about Embiid’s personality, because the 76ers’ young star has developed a reputation as one of the league’s best trash talkers. Later on Friday afternoon, Embiid told reporters that he told Draymond Green this summer that he planned to “kick his ass.”
“Personality-wise he’s great,” Iguodala said. “He’s the next one. But with his personality in Philly, he’s got to win. He’s got to win. But I hope he stays the way he is no matter if they win or lose, it doesn’t change.”