Philadelphia 76ers: Former players who could help this team, Part 2
By Derek Hryn
3. Nerlens Noel
Before Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel was the face of the Sixers’ frontcourt.
The original darling to former general manager Sam Hinkie’s Process, Noel was traded to the Sixers after being the New Orleans Pelicans’ No. 6 overall pick in 2013. Of course, the Sixers didn’t get him cheap, parting ways with a bonafide star in Jrue Holiday.
Primarily known for his superior rim protection in college (4.4 blocks per game), Noel was the foundation of the defensive juggernaut Hinkie vowed to create. After missing his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, Noel showed signs of being a key piece on the floor for the Sixers.
While Noel’s offensive craft never really took flight, the team’s defense quickly became the source of entertainment while excruciatingly watching them lose 57 games in 2014-15. With next to nothing happening on offense, you could see something unique forming thanks to Noel’s physicality and perimeter ubiquity.
It was never believed that Noel was going to single-handedly save the Sixers. He was always going to need some sort of help along the way. But it was the “how” and “where” the organization acquired it that mattered.
Arguably the worst thing that could’ve happened to him in his career was the front office’s infamous decision of clogging up the frontcourt with true centers, instead of drafting for positional need. Embiid has panned out as the star big man, but Noel still fits what the Sixers have invested a risible amount of time and money in: A quality backup.
Noel could’ve fit the bill. He has only started in 26 games between the Mavericks and Thunder over the last four seasons, so coming off the bench has been nothing out of the ordinary for him.
Still, even with Embiid and Noel’s friendship, convincing a former lottery pick to play the understudy role to another lottery pick could have ripple effects. But given the developments over the last few seasons, would it have been worth a shot?
The Sixers hinge on the length and athleticism they possess, especially on the defensive end. Noel is the reason for that vision, yet he falls under the list of assets that were simply given up on too soon.