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Iguodala had a hugely disappointing series against the Pistons. If the team signs him to a big contract, he will be counted on to come through for them in future series. Hopefully teams will find it harder to key on him as the Sixers become a more potent and varied offensive team.

Are there examples of players who came up small when they first appeared in the playoffs, only to rebound and become big time playoff performers later in their careers? Or, do most players who come up small one year end up being bad playoff players (KVH's) their entire careers?

If memory serves, Jamaal Mashburn and Cliff Robinson struggled early on in their careers at playoff time, only to become good performers later on. In fact, Mashburn almost singlehandedly beat Philly a few years back when he was with the Magic (I think it was the Magic at least).

The thing to keep your head up on is that Iguodala did not stop trying and hide from the pressure. Based on his annual improvement and willingness to work, I suspect that he will come back better next year and at least have other ideas on how to attack what slowed him down this go round. Remember, this was only Iguodala's first time having a full season as being the focal point. He probably isn't best suited for that role, but he certainly was way better at it than could have been reasonably expected and should continue to improve, particularly if he Stefanski gets him help.

I might be wrong.... but didn't Kobe screw up badly in one of his first post-seasons?? I seem to recall him being blamed (fairly or not) for the Lakers being bounced one season.

The Guilty Party wrote:I might be wrong.... but didn't Kobe screw up badly in one of his first post-seasons?? I seem to recall him being blamed (fairly or not) for the Lakers being bounced one season.

I think they were playing against the Jazz with Malone/Stockton and he had the opportunity to shoot several big shots and he threw up a few airballs.

Mash never played for Orlando. That was Charlotte/New Orleans

CPops57 wrote:I think they were playing against the Jazz with Malone/Stockton and he had the opportunity to shoot several big shots and he threw up a few airballs.

I looked it up and you are right. Late in the 4th quarter, Kobe didn't pass the ball to a wide open Eddie Jones in the corner and instead he jacked up an airball. The game went to overtime where Kobe shot 3 more airballs and the Lakers were bounced from the playoffs.

4 airballs in the closing moments of a series is pretty bad. If memory serves me correct, that Kobe guy bounced back to have an "alright" career.

Well, Iguodala has tried to pattern his game after Kobe. I guess in this series he was half way there...

tk76 wrote:Well, Iguodala has tried to pattern his game after Kobe. I guess in this series he was half way there...

Maybe 1/8th.....Kobe is on another echelon of greatness

Tony Parker struggled early in his career I remember at one point Pop went with Kerr/Speedy Claxton in the finals over Parker he was struggling so much. Of course he has been terrific since winning the finals MVP last year.

Dirk was the league MVP last year and he had a rough series against Golden State. Sometimes you have a tough match up and things tend to snowball.

monta ellis last year.