Hey guys, I'm normally over on on the blazer board here, but I sometimes browse REALGM too. Over there it seems a lot of sixer fans are upset with Iggy's play after such big contract demands this offseason. The real issue seems to be that he's more of a third option utility type of guy, but wants to be paid as a first option, and when used in isolation sets he doesn't really deliver. Philly fans are stuck in a crossroads where they're in the playoffs and things are exciting, but a lot of the success has to do with the leadership of Miller, and up and coming play of Lou' and Thad (who's stuck behind Iggy or out of position at PF) and they don't know whether to or how much to extend Iggy for.
http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=785344
Some fans want to S & T Iggy, but no one really knows who they could get for him and how much teams are willing to pay (especially after this series). It seems common knowledge that Philly's young players need to be in a up-tempo system, and they still need a low post presence to compliment Sam as a big guy who's need a huge scoring threat underneath.
On our end, I think Iggy would fit in perfectly as a third option (behind Roy and Aldridge, with Oden as a super clean up guy to start off). I love his game and followed him in college and so far in the pros. I loved his unselfish nature and defensive intensity, not to mention how beautiful his transition game is. What we need in Portland is not more isolation players, but utility guys who can bring it on defense on perimeter players, and help us on the fast break (we are worst in the league). If Iggy would like to play that way, Portland would want him bad, the real question is how much is he forced into the 1 on 1 role , and how much he wants to be a superstar. I think Paul Allen would be willing to pay, and we have some young assets, but my question is if anything would work for you guys...
Hypothetically if Iggy still wants a big deal and Philly would rather develop Thad, what is a realistic possibility in a deal. I don't see you guys being able to get any good big man prospects for Iggy, other than big name's with overpaid contracts...
While we would not be willing to give up one of the best young big men in the game in Aldridge, we would probably try to pursue something.
If you guys wanted to keep your core together (and Portland needs to consolidate badly anyways) PDX could probably put together a deal like this...
Travis Outlaw - he's a very good isolation player who can get his shot off whenever he wants due to his high release point and outstanding vertical, he can also play PF well (not with the bangers) but can be a fantastic mismatch at PF. He would also work fairly well in an up-tempo system and has a very cheap contract at two more years left at 4.5 million each. He just has began to scratch the surface of his potential. But with the huge jam Portland will have in the frontcourt (Oden, Aldridge, Pryz, Frye) and all the players in our backcourt Portland doesn't have a whole lot of room for someone, and Outlaw has the best trade value. The other thing about Outlaw is that since he is more of an iso player, we could use a player who will blend in more and score more on put backs, backdoor cuts, and open jumpers. Travis also was one of Mo's favorite guys in his first couple of years in the league.
Kevin Love - now I know we're not in possession of him now, but hear me out. We could combo our pick (#13) and Jack (who is expendable to use with Rudy Fernandez coming over at SG) to and second rounders to move up in the draft and be able to get Kevin Love. Love would fit you guys very well in an up-tempo system with his nasty rebounding and great outlet passes. He would give you some post presence (at least at the level of Reggie Evans) not to mention he would be on a rookie contract that's cheap.
Steve Blake - Once we traded Blake to you (2 year, 4 mill deal) you'd get a steady passive PG who would make it easier for you guys to deal Andre Miller for a real star if you wanted, and at worst he's cheap salary filler.
This type of a deal would give you guys young players with potential still, balance out your roster better, and clear the way for your other young guys.
Anyways, I know it'd be a long shot but what would you guys think of a deal like this. I think it would really hinge on a couple of things:
1. how much Iggy wants
2. who Philly wants to build around (Iggy, Thad)
3. what kind of a player Iggy sees himself as (1st or 3rd option)
4. how much potential Philly views Love and Outlaw having
I love the way it leaves us:
Roy/Rodriguez
Iggy/Fernandez
Webster/James Jones
Aldridge/Frye
Oden/Pryzbilla