Iguodala makes his pitch for Magic's Howard

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ORLANDO, Fla.Andre Iguodala looked studious on Friday afternoon, wearing black-framed glasses, jeans and a plaid shirt. He also appeared happy as he entertained questions by media members from around the world.

It took Iguodala an eight-year journey to reach his first All-Star Game so the Sixers swingman was savoring the moment. Still, it took running into previous NBA All-Stars for Iguodala to realize just how far he has come.

I ran into (Bill Russell) a couple times with Allen (Iverson), Iguodala recalled. Allen always had greats around him. He didn't know who I was back then. I remember I shook Bill Russell's hand and he looked at me saying, Who is this guy? like I was a fan. So it is good that he now sees me in a different light.

I didn't realize he is taller than Dwight (Howard). David Robinson, I have spoken to him before, but today I spoke to him and he told me how he was watching our team play, stuff like that makes me say wow. It is crazy. Its crazy because I watched them when I was a kid and for them to watch me is something I don't have words for.

Iguodala's respect and awe for those who play the game include past and present.

I am a big Kobe Bryant fan, Iguodala said when asked which player he would pay to see play. So I would have to choose him. Any given night he can put up 40. He did it four or five times in a row already this year. At his age he still has it. I watched his game last night and he wasn't making shots but you were waiting for that moment when he's going to start rolling. So you always have to be tuned into him.

One reporter later told Iguodala that Bryant had high praise for his game and said he would choose him as a teammate. That led to the question of who would Iguodala pick as a running mate? He did not play make-believe. Iguodala made a heartfelt pitch.

That is the good part of basketball, the best want to play with the best, he said. I would like to go on record and say that I would like to play with Dwight anytime, starting today.

Howard is still a member of the Orlando Magic, the hosts of this weekend. However, there is a belief that once the midseason festivities conclude, Howard's Magic playing days will be over.

Howard has asked to be traded and is a free agent at the end of the season.

Orlando can I'll afford to have Howard walk as Cleveland did with LeBron James when the Cavaliers came up empty-handed following James decision to play in Miami.

Howard would not answer questions about his future, but he embraced the compliment paid to him by Iguodala.

That is a great compliment that I can have, Howard said. Great guy. Glad he made it to the All-Star weekend on the All-Star team. He has led his team for many years. Now he is just getting a little recognition for it. He is a very high performer and in the Olympics we may be teammates.

That wasnt exactly the answer teammates, Iguodala and Sixers fans were hoping for from Howard.

The Sixers were not on Howards initial list of potential trade destinations, but at least Iguodala planted the seed. Its not unlike the 2001 All-Star Game when Larry Brown coached the Eastern Conference and then Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo played well for him.

A couple weeks later, an injured Theo Ratliff traded placed with Mutombo in Atlanta and the Sixers had themselves the Defensive Player of the Year as well as a center that could bang with Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA Finals.

Iguodala planted the seed. Hes got all weekend to make sure it starts growing.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com.

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