Sixers' Iguodala plans to play all 82 games
76ers swingman Andre Iguodala intends to play all 82 games this season. Never mind that he's currently struggling with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, never mind the pointlessness of the Sixers' final games, and never mind his numbers, which lately have been dropping quicker than an elevator.
76ers swingman Andre Iguodala intends to play all 82 games this season.
Never mind that he's currently struggling with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, never mind the pointlessness of the Sixers' final games, and never mind his numbers, which lately have been dropping quicker than an elevator.
The only missed games of Iguodala's career came during the 2006-07 season when he missed six games with a lower back strain.
Iguodala is in his sixth NBA season.
"I think it's important," Iguodala said of logging all 82 games. "No matter what the situation may be, you have to go out there and you have a job to do. Also just showing the young guys how you want things to work. Trying to lay a foundation and that's definitely a goal of mine."
Including tonight's game at the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers have 11 games remaining on the schedule.
With Monday night's 109-93 loss to the Orlando Magic, the Sixers (24-47) were officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Bucks enter tonight's game with a record of 39-30, currently holding the Eastern Conference's fifth playoff spot.
Yesterday, the Sixers practiced at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine before flying to Milwaukee.
Asked how the injury feels, Iguodala said, "Usual."
"Game-time I'll be ready to play, so I'm not really thinking about it," Iguodala said. "It's the same thing we've been doing the last couple of weeks."
Sixers coach Eddie Jordan said he had no intention of "shutting down" Iguodala, who leads the team with a 17.0 points per game average, but has shot only 2 for his last 27 from beyond the arc.
"I wouldn't shut anybody down unless my doctors or the training staff tells me to do that," Jordan explained. "I want our best players on the floor so we can win games."
Rookie of year? Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings is a front-runner for NBA rookie-of-the-year honors. Jennings, who did not attend college and played the 2008-09 season in Italy, is averaging 15.8 points and 6.0 assists per game.
Sixers rookie point guard Jrue Holiday has played against Jennings since sixth grade - both are from California - and will likely guard Jennings tonight.
"Push him to his right hand," said Holiday, explaining how to guard Jennings, a lefty. "I know he can dribble with his right, but I know how good he is with his left. Really push him to his right hand and try to stop penetration, make him shoot jump shots. Don't let him get in a flow with his jump shot because he's really streaky and he can really go off."
Tactical change? Now that the Sixers are officially eliminated from the playoffs, will Jordan change his rotations, play more guys, or adjust anything about the team's approach?
"It doesn't change anything," Jordan said. "We want to be competitive, we want to continue to teach, develop, and try to show the team how to continue to play as a team and help each other so we can continue to win ball games."
No go. Forward Thaddeus Young (right thumb fracture) and guard Lou Williams (lower back) did not travel to Milwaukee and will not play tonight. Both are listed as day-to-day.
