If you're from the Philly area and a sports fan like myself you know that all hope is lost. None of our teams are even remotely successful, and that's the way it's been for at least a half a decade now. However, being the loyal fan that I am, I stick by my teams and I look for something other than wins to celebrate. In the midst of the NBA Finals there is one small success that us Philadelphians can take some credit for, and that is Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors.

For those of you that don't know, Andre Iguodala started his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers as the ninth overall draft pick and spent eight seasons there. After a pit stop at the Denver Nuggets, Iguodala was traded to the Golden State Warriors where he remains today. In 2015 he was the NBA Finals MVP. Although Andre sees more of the bench than he use to, his contributions do not go unnoticed. At 6 feet 6 inches tall "Iggy" averaged 4 rebounds and 8 points per game overall this season. Sure no big deal, but it's the timing of these plays that really make him the game changer that he is; "Iggy" has played in and made significant contributions in all of the past 3 NBA Finals. He doesn't put up nearly as many points as Steph Curry but he makes blocks and causes turnovers at just the right moments. Andre Iguodala is one of the major keys to the Golden State Warriors' success over the past few seasons and why they are currently making their 3rd consecutive playoff appearance. He was also a part of the United States national team that received gold in both the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Additionly, he was an NBA All-Star in 2012.

In the heat of the 2017 NBA Finals I would like to take a second to appreciate the talent and success that "Iggy" has brought to Golden State. In game 3 of the series he blocked an attempted three point shot from The King himself, Lebron James, and allowed Golden State to hold on to their three point lead during the final seconds. Such a play seems to be a redemption from last year's NBA Finals where James blocked a shot from Iguodala that would have given the Warriors a chance to come back.

Andre Iguodala has seen his fair share of action in the NBA Finals. He and the Golden State Warriors are seeking just one more win in game 5. Golden State is currently up 3 games to 1 against the Cavs. "Iggy" may not start every game or see the most minutes but he is definitely a game changer. For my fellow Philly fans who haven't seen a championship since the 2008 Phillies, there is something to cheer about and it's former 76er Andre Iguodala. Always remeber your roots!