Lost in the shuffle of the rumored Dwight Howard trade is the reality of how well Andre Iguodala fits in with the Denver Nuggets.
According to a report filed by ESPN, a blockbuster trade has been completed that lands Howard in Los Angeles and Iguodala in Denver. And that’s cause to rejoice for the Nuggets and their fans.
A source with direct knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein the Lakers will receive Howard, the Denver Nuggets will acquire Andre Iguodala, the 76ers will receive Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson, and the Magic will get Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic and one protected future first-round pick from each of the three teams.
In addition, the Magic will be getting other pieces, including 76ers No. 1 draft pick Moe Harkless, a source told Stein.
While Denver isn’t getting the most polarizing player of the deal, it simply wouldn’t be the Nugget’s style to do so. The George Karl-led squad preaches selflessness, accountability and above all, unity.
And that can be hard to actualize with multiple star egos sharing the same roster.
But not with Iguodala entering the fold. Sure, the Nuggets lose a talented shooter in Arron Afflalo, but they gain a perpetual slasher who’s just as good at maneuvering the floor with or without the ball in his hands. His perimeter defense cannot be touted enough either, as he’s one of the most suffocating ones in the game.
Not to mention the veteran leadership he adds to a young team’s locker room, especially considering Al Harrington is on his way out as well.
And this is monstrous for the Nuggets. Iguodala presents a star-caliber two-way player without the ego of one. He’s prolific enough for the occasional highlight reel, but humble enough to assume any role Denver will ask.
It’s that mindset, that dynamic, that sort of willingness to execute for the better of the team, and not the individual that the Nuggets need to continue to further; they needed to ensure that their star-less dynamic adds some star-esque fire power, sans the egotistical nightmare that usually comes along with it.
And barring the NBA vetoing another blockbuster trade, the Nuggets have done just that, officially thrusting themselves into bona fide title contention.
How do you like the post-Carmelo Anthony era now?
