WEEK 2, DEBATE 2: Nene vs. Andre Iguodala

        

VS.

Who would you rather have this season: Nene or Andre Iguodala?

NENE'S REP:

"First off, Nene is the only person listed on NBA.com as having a single name. He is the Madonna of the NBA. Enough said. Beyond this he is also the far superior player. Not only is Nene a superior scorer and rebounder, but he actually led the entire NBA last season in field goal percentage (.615), which is a critical indicator in determining the efficiency and value of a player. Last season, Iguodala had career lows in games played and started, free-throw percentage, and steals per game as the 76ers finished with a 41-41 record, proving that he has been a player in steady decline for the last three years. Nene, however, has been putting up some of his most impressive career stats ever since beating the shit out of testicular cancer in 2008. Nene is the high energy and efficient role player every team needs."

IGUODALA'S REP:

"I hear your argument, Nene is a great player. But Andre Iguodala is a freak of nature. Period. Few players can dominate the game in as many different as ways as he can. And before you say I’m being pretentious, here are a couple of unnoticed stats: (1) in 2010-11 Iguodala posted a 3.06 Assist/Turnover ratio, good for 10th in the NBA and 1st among non-point guards, (2) he was 1st among non-point guards in assist percentage (minimum 1,500 minutes played); and (3) he ranked 17th among non-power forwards/centers in defensive rebound percentage (min. 1,500 minutes played). Also don’t understand how Iguodala can be in decline when he just posted his best-ever postseason numbers for rebounds and assists per game. Not only is Iguodala a world-class defender but he’s a resourceful playmaker. Oh, and let’s not forget his excellent performances for Team USA at the World Championships."

NENE'S REP:

"Freak of nature... please. You say he dominates, but the stats you just gave shows that he is mediocre in a few fields, and exceptional at nothing. You said that 'he ranked 17th among non-power forwards/centers in defensive rebound percentage.' Really!? That is the most obscure and unimpressive stat I’ve ever heard. Nene actually led an important statistical category amongst all NBA players (FG %). You boast about Iguodala’s post-season performance, but Nene averaged 2.0 more rebounds and 2.8 more points in that same year. However, the most damning statistic is that Iguodala ranks 96 in Efficiency per 48 minutes (statistical value of a player per minute played) while Nene ranks 19 among all NBA players. Nene gives you more production per minute and he excels in the areas that the team needs him in, not dabbling in a little bit of everything trying to be a poor-man’s LeBron."

IGUODALA'S REP:

"The stats were meant to prove one thing people like yourself unfortunately always choose to ignore – Iguodala is a wonderful all-round player, which is what basketball is becoming about. Your LeBron dis smacks as a cheap attempt to buy points. If there’s one thing Dallas’ win taught us it’s flexible play is more decisive than being a one-trick pony. What Iggy showed for Team USA – sadly a rare time he’s been on a balanced team – was his overlooked all-round ability and consistency. Because he didn’t have to carry the team offensively he was able to pick his spots, be more of a facilitator, dominate on the break, and offer his customary lock-down defense. Each evening Iguodala was asked to guard the opponents’ top scorer and still he managed to lead the young Sixers to a .500 record and a Playoff berth. One-on-one, last seconds of the Finals, Iggy’s my man."

Who won this debate? Go to the right sidebar to cast your vote!