Ranking the Top 5 Performers of the Orlando Summer League

Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during warmups prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

4. Nerlens Noel

Position: C

Age: 20

Stats: 13.7 PPG, .520 FG%, 5.7 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 3.0 BPG

Nerlens Noel is one cool nickname away from being the coolest player the NBA has ever seen.

Noel is a freak athlete with impeccable defensive instincts. After having a year off from basketball (ACL surgery), Noel showed tremendous feel for the game on the defensive side of the ball. Noel displayed extremely quick hands that is rarely seen from the center position, often poking it away from point guards while defending the pick-and-roll. Noel lead the Orlando Pro Summer League in blocks per game, averaging 3.0 per game. He most certainly has the potential to be a great defensive player in the league for years to come, but how was he offensively this week?

Noel is raw with an extremely limited move pool. We did see some progression from his years at Kentucky, especially from the free throw line. Nerlens conected on 17-of-21 free-throws in four games, including three perfect performances from the line. Besides his free-throw shooting, he showed some flashy jump hooks and floaters that weren’t in his game at Kentucky. Noel also looked comfortable taking a 1o-12 foot jumper, something he NEVER did while under John Calipari. He has plenty of time to progress alongside of Joel Embiid, and the two together have the potential to be the most dominant front court in the NBA if the health is there.