Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Uncovering a Franchise Cornerstone
Where to even begin with the Nerlens Noel.
Sixers fans had built up over a year’s worth of anticipation to see Nerlens Noel play live game action. At first we saw what we expected to see. An extremely athletic big that could protect the rim, but was lost on the offensive end. Noel would wow us with his emphatic blocks, but would worry us with his ugly turnovers and weak attempts at the rim. Noel entered the All-Star break averaging 8.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 56.1 percent from the line.
But once All-Star weekend went by and the Sixers returned to action, Nerlens was a completely different player. He came back as a dominant force on the defensive end, both in protecting the rim and reeking havoc in the passing lanes. On offense he looked under control, making nice moves in the post, shooting his jumper with confidence, and actually dunking over people instead of shying away from contact. Post All-Star break he would average 13.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 2.1 steals, while improving his shooting numbers to 48.7 percent from the field and 65.5 percent from the line.
The most important number that Nerlens Noel put up this season was 75, referring to the amount of games that he appeared. Nerlens only missed seven games in his first full playing season since tearing his ACL. I think most Sixers fans would have been fine with 65 games, but Noel showed off his durability in his rookie campaign.
Noel had a hell of a second half of the season. He likely will fall short in the Rookie of the Year race, but that does not matter. The improvements that he has made in his game do not need to be backed up by a trophy. He made real strides this season and at age 21 Nerlens has a lot more room for growth.
If nothing else, uncovering Nerlens Noel as a franchise cornerstone was enough of a success for the Sixers program to move forward in 2014-15.