Should Nerlens Noel Prepare To Play Power Forward?
Brett Brown told the Philadelphia Intelligencer that prior to the 2014 draft he never imagined Nerlens Noel playing power forward, instead he envisioned Andrew Wiggins filling that role. Well, look how a little ping-pong ball changes the fortunes of a franchise(s).
"“I said from Day 1 I never intended on playing Nerlens at the 4. I anticipated probably getting Andrew Wiggins as our (2014 top draft) pick and he’s back at the 5. All of a sudden, you get Joel [Embiid]. I feel like this is a great opportunity for us to try something and see how they can co-exist.”"
Wiggins — who had six points in his regular season debut — is starting in Minnesota, Kevin Love is in Cleveland and Joel Embiid is likely out for the year while he recovers from foot surgery. When Embiid is able to get out on the floor, he will be the starting center from day one.
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So yes, Noel needs to be prepared to play power forward as it is where he will be as long as both he and Embiid are in Philadelphia together.
The good news for the Sixers is that Noel on the job training at power forward — Henry Sims is currently starting at center — begins this year when the team doesn’t have any desire to win games because Noel is going to look bad guarding smaller power forwards who can navigate on the perimeter.
This is not to say that Noel doesn’t possess the attributes to be successful when guarding perimeter oriented power forwards because he does due to his athleticism and length. I can very easy see Noel race out from under the basket and block a 16’ foot jumper by his man at least once a game.
It will just take time, as he is best suited and used to being a rim protector.
The more pressing concern is Noel’s lack of polish on offense. While sitting out all of last year, Noel and head coach Brett Brown worked on tweeking his shooting mechanics. However, Noel still has a long way to go as was evident in his regular season debut versus Indiana on Wednesday night.
Noel scored six points on 2-of-11 shooting from the field. He also was just 2-of-6 from the charity stripe.