Sixers extend qualifying offer to Iguodala Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - One day before the NBA Draft, the
Philadelphia 76ers made a move to try to keep one of its core players by
extending a qualifying offer to restricted free agent forward Andre Iguodala.
A former first-round selection, Iguodala averaged 19.9 points and 5.4 rebounds
in 82 games last season.
Iguodala was the ninth overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft. He played two
seasons at Arizona and was an All-Pac 10 honoree during his sophomore campaign
when he averaged 12.9 points, 8.4 boards and 4.9 assists per game.
The Philadelphia 76ers have selected Florida forward Marreese Speights with the 16th pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View:Speights may be one of the hidden gems of this draft. He is a force in the post, possessing outstanding power and a nose for the ball. He is solid in all facets of the game and will provide an immediately uplift to the defenese with the touch to become a threat on offense. The Sixers have Samuel Dalembert down low, but Speights has the game to push him for minutes and, possibly, the starting job. We've been seeing picks for the future by several teams now. This selection by Philly could give them an immediate starter.
The Sixers extended a qualifying offer to Andre Iguodala on Wednesday, according to TSN. they also extended an offer to guard Louis Williams.
Our View:By doing this, the Sixers will be able to match any contract offer sheet that is presented to Iguodala or Willaims. Andre was the team's top player last year averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists, so it's vital the team retains his services.
Calvin Booth has exercised his player option for next season, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View:He will make $1.1 million as a reserve for the Sixers next season. He will hold no fantasy value as he averaged less than one point per game in 2007-08.
