Second-half fantasy NBA outlook: Andre Iguodala

Between now and the start of second-half basketball, I will look at Sixer players and project their fantasy value for the remainder of the year.  In turn, I will give a stock up or stock down (or neutral) rating based on my thoughts about their second-half outlook compared with their first-half production.

Let’s start with Andre Iguodala.

Iggy currently leads the Sixers in scoring, assists and steals per game and is second on the team to center Samuel Dalembert in rebounding. Cleveland’s LeBron James is the only other player in the league to currently average 17+ points, 6+ rebounds and 5+ assists per game.

Granted, his scoring is down a couple of points (17.1 ppg) compared with the past three seasons (18.2, 19.9 and 18.8 ppg, respectively) and he’s shooting a career-low 42.5% from the field, but he’s also averaging career highs in rebounds (7.0 rpg), assists (5.7 apg) and 3-pointers made (1.3 per game).

Whether or not he’s overpaid in the real NBA (and he is), Iguodala has consistently posted elite across-the-board numbers for fantasy owners.  His real NBA salary, however, is the reason he’s the subject of persistent trade rumors involving different teams, such as Phoenix and Houston.

If AI2 lands in Houston in a deal involving Tracy McGrady, Iguodala’s numbers could see a slight uptick as he’d be counted on to provide a larger share of the offense compared to what is expected from him in Philadelphia. Playing with Steve Nash in Phoenix, however, could get him more highlight-reel dunks but perhaps slightly lesser overall numbers as he wouldn’t be as much of a focal point in the offense.

The NBA trade deadline is February 18th and if he’s not dealt, I would expect it to help Iguodala’s psyche.  Regardless of what he says publicly, it’s hard to imagine a player to enjoy being the subject of trade talks even if it could mean getting out of Philly.  And, in the past couple of seasons, Iguodala has averaged a couple of points more post All-Star break than he did pre All-Star break. In 2008, he averaged 17.8 ppg before the break. After the break, his scoring jumped to 20.4 ppg.

With the Sixers winning five of six heading into the break, it’s likely that GM Ed Stefanski will be more patient with this squad and be less likely to pull the trigger on a deal. Iggy is one of few Sixers that has found consistent minutes night in and night out as Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams haven’t been able to say the same.  With that said, he should put up numbers consistent with his first half (or slightly better) and remain an elite fantasy option.

Second-half: Stock up (minus)

Tags: Andre Iguodala