Philadelphia 76ers: What To Expect In December

Nov 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) looks to pass over Minnesota Timberwolves guard

(22) in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Nerlens Noel breaking out of his shell

Nerlens Noel hasn’t had a great year so far. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s been disappointing, but maybe that was to be expected. It’s tough for any player to change positions, and moving from being a dominant center to a power forward with a jump shot is going to take some time. Noel looked decent in the first few games, but has become a bit stale in November.

Perhaps, though, that staleness derived from an injury Noel sustained. The cause of the injury is still debated, but Noel injured his wrist and was out for a few games. Despite playing decently prior to that injury, when he came back from it, he didn’t seem to be himself.

Before the injury, (not including the game he was ejected in that he didn’t play in full) Noel scored double digit points in all but one game, and had at least two blocks in all but one game.

Since coming back from that injury, though, Nerlens has not been the same, scoring single digit points and rebounds per game, and having zero block games five times. He has only had one game with more than one block.

Some think that he’s having trouble moving over to the four spot, but others think that it’s an issue of Okafor and Noel not being completely compatible.

Me? I think it’s a combination of the two problems, and an injury on top of that that is making things go sour. I also I think it’s something that’s going to get ironed out over times. The more games the two play together, and the more Noel plays at the power forward spot will allow Noel to get used to his revised role.

It starts in December. Be on the lookout for an increase in production from Noel, and be on the lookout to see him break out of the shell he’s been in all season.

Next: A BIG matchup