Sep 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) speaks with reporters during media day at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday, Brett Brown might of announced what everyone already suspected. Nerlens Noel is doubtful to play this year. While I thought this was generally accepted knowledge, Brown’s initial remarks sent shock waves through the basketball (maybe just the Sixers) world.
On Tuesday, Brown decided to tone down his initial comments:
"“The club will make a responsible decision on his future and who knows what direction that will go,” Brown explained. “In the meantime, nobody really knows whats going to happen. We hope he can come back.”The coaching staff, his teammates- we want to see him back. How can you not want to see that young man back with his bounce, size, and athleticism. He’s done everything that we’ve asked of him with weights and breaking down his shot and all of the conditioning slowly that he’s going to have to get used to. But he’s apart of us. We want to see him.”"
I thought it sounded better when Brown just straight up told us that Nerlens Noel probably will not appear in uniform this year. Rumors have been swirling for awhile that a Christmas return was possible, but why rush it?
The Sixers are in no position to win right now and Noel should not be risked until he is “Derrick Rose” ready to come back and contribute to the team. Of course it would be nice to see Noel play in some games this year and see what he can do, but if he can’t do that, then it’s fine.
I’ve seen some fans surprised and upset about Noel being out for the year, but I just do not understand it. Do people want Noel to be rushed back during a season that the Sixers are projected at a high of 17 wins? Most athletes these days rush back from injury and wind up severely under performing and never having the same career again. For every Adrian Peterson comeback story there are hundreds of stories of guys that never were the same.
We all want to see Nerlens Noel play, he’s probably the only bright spot we have for the certain future. I wish he could be there on opening night, but I understand it’s in the Sixers and his best interest if he does not play this year. If he feels 100 percent ready (physically and mentally) to come back at some point during the season, so be it. That decision will be made at the appropriate time. But right now, Nerlens Noel is out for the season and things should remain that way.
Brett Brown made these comments to avoid having to deal with the Nerlens Noel stuff the whole season. It’s going to be a hard season already, why have to answer questions about when Noel is coming back after a blowout loss? Instead of letting the media and fans speculate, just set the record straight.
Nerlens Noel will be a force in Philadelphia for the future, but the future should not start until the beginning of next season.
Do you want to see Nerlens Noel play this season?
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