Why does it seem like that a number of ex-Philadelphia athletes always do better elsewhere? Is this a part of William Penn's devious plan in regards to "the curse" or is it just players not being able to withstand the pressure to succeed in Philly? Well, all I know is that it'd be nice for those athletes to live up to their potential in the City of Brotherly Love. Is that too much to ask for?
You can choose from any major sport, and I could give you an athlete that didn't pan out too well in Philly, yet managed to find their groove with another organization. Here's my list:
Eagles
Chris Clemons - Averaging a lowly 3.5 sacks during his two years as an Eagle from 2008-2009, the defensive end out of Georgia moved on to Seattle, where he currently plays now, and averaged 11.2 sacks in his three seasons there. Talk about career-altering stats right there!
Sixers
Andre Iguodala - The Arizona product was known as the frustrating Sixer who never flourished into the superstar he was anticipated to become. Free throws, the ability to shoot well consistently as well as sinking clutch shots were not his forte; however, now as a member of the Denver Nuggets, Iguodala seems to have found his fit as just another piece to the puzzle and not a superstar. He's even making clutch shots for the playoff-bound Nuggets. Check it out:
Phillies
Michael Bourn - Drafted by the Phillies in 2003 and spending his time in the minor leagues until 2007, Bourn spent two years on the squad until being traded to the Astros, and then again to the Braves in 2011. In 2012, Bourn hit nine home runs and 57 RBIs as opposed to one home run and six RBIs as a Phillie; the speedy outfielder also recorded 61 stolen bases in 2009 as an Astro. He is currently on the Cleveland Indians.
Flyers Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, Justin Williams and Jeff Carter - All were on the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings team in 2012. I think that's all that needs to be said.
Andre Iguodala - The Arizona product was known as the frustrating Sixer who never flourished into the superstar he was anticipated to become. Free throws, the ability to shoot well consistently as well as sinking clutch shots were not his forte; however, now as a member of the Denver Nuggets, Iguodala seems to have found his fit as just another piece to the puzzle and not a superstar. He's even making clutch shots for the playoff-bound Nuggets. Check it out:
Simon Gagne, Mike Richards, Justin Williams and Jeff Carter - All were on the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings team in 2012. I think that's all that needs to be said.
