By John McMullen
Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - Andre Iguodala wants to be a franchise player...
And he sure wants to be paid like one. That's why the fourth-year player walked away from a five-year contract extension worth $57 million earlier this year.
You see, Andre would like to be paid like Dwight Howard, a guy who deserved and got max money -- five years and $85 million.
Of course, comparing those two players is folly and everyone, including Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski, knows it.
But just for kicks, let's look at them after a pair of games in the playoffs.
Howard has shot 20-of-30 from the floor and averaged 27 points, 21 rebounds and 4.0 blocked shots per game as the Magic have taken a 2-0 lead over Toronto.
Meanwhile, Iguodala has given Philadelphia absolutely nothing, connecting on 5-of-24 shots and averaging 10.0 points per contest as Tayshaun Prince makes the "franchise" miserable with his length.
In the Sixers ugly 105-88 loss on Wednesday night, Iguodala didn't even find the scoreboard until midway through the third quarter.
Can you imagine the leading scorer of any other NBA team being shut down like that?
Think about it, the 15-67 Miami Heat have Dwyane Wade, the 20-win Seattle SuperSonics sport Kevin Durant and the 22-win Minnesota Timberwolves can throw Al Jefferson at you.
The Sixers' "star" looked downright skittish on the big stage, a shrinking violet, while players like Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young, Rodney Carney and Jason Smith -- all seeing their first postseason action -- weren't nearly as nervous, jittery or tense.
It's amazing the Sixers escaped the Motor City with a split considering Iguodala's struggles. It's also a testament to guys like Andre Miller and Reggie Evans, who leave it all on the floor.
I suppose turning down the $57 million dollar deal will look smart this offseason when Andre inks a deal for five years and $60 mil, but forget about this guy ever being a franchise player.
Franchise players find a way.
Andre Iguodala is finding is.
-You can reach John McMullen at jmcmullen@phanaticmag.com
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