Former NBA guard Jeff Teague has stirred up a fresh round of debate in basketball circles after bluntly criticizing Andre Iguodala’s lone All-Star selection in 2012.
On a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast, Teague claimed Iguodala’s inclusion was more about politics than performance, and that Lou Williams was the rightful choice.
“He made the All-Star team one time because the coach did not want Lou Williams to make it,” Teague said. “Lou Will was the leading scorer.”
Iguodala’s All-Star season with the Philadelphia 76ers saw him average 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Solid numbers, but not eye-popping by All-Star standards. Meanwhile, Lou Williams, known for his scoring punch off the bench, led the team in points with 14.9 per game and played a pivotal role in their offensive success.
Teague didn’t mince words, calling Iguodala’s stats “the worst for an All-Star” and suggesting that coaches intentionally snubbed Williams due to internal team politics. At the time, Doug Collins was head coach of the Sixers, and reports of tension between him and Williams have since surfaced, including claims of “tough love” that soured team chemistry.
While Teague’s critique focused on raw numbers, Iguodala’s impact has always extended beyond the stat sheet. A defensive stalwart and cerebral playmaker, he was often praised for his versatility and leadership. His career includes four NBA championships and a Finals MVP award, accolades that speak to his value, even if his All-Star résumé is brief.
Still, Teague’s comments reignite a familiar debate: should All-Star selections prioritize scoring and flash, or reward intangibles and team success?
Interestingly, Teague himself has faced scrutiny over his 2015 All-Star selection, where he averaged 15.9 points and 7 assists for a dominant Hawks team that sent four players to the midseason showcase. He acknowledged the criticism but pointed out that Iguodala’s numbers were even more modest.
“People said I had the worst stats as an All-Star, but those are the worst stats for an All-Star,” Teague said.
