Should Philadelphia 76ers Flip Noel With Okafor?
By Bret Stuter
Feb 27, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward
(white jacket) celebrates with team mates on the bench after a three point play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 89-81. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Hail Hail The Gang’s All Here!
As he was eased back into play as the team’s starting center, the team was also in the process of reactivating returning-to-health players like Kendall Marshall, Robert Covington, Tony Wroten, and Carl Landry. Each player’s arrival meant a new roster, new allocation of minutes, and a reason NOT to experiment with the four and five spots. But the team was not looking internally for opportunities, but externally as well. As Christmas approached, the Sixers announced a trade of two second round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans for point guard Ish Smith. To make room, the Sixers waived point guard Tony Wroten.
It is the return of Ish Smith that has renewed this topic. Ish played very well with Nerlens Noel last year, in fact, well enough to generate headliner quotes:
"“I love that kid. He just finds me whenever I’m open and honestly, he’s the first true point-guard I’ve ever really played with. And you know, he said I’m one of the alley-oop men–big men–he’s played with. So I think we compliment each other so well.” – Nerlens Noel March 2015."
Smith joined the team after they had dealt Michael Carter-Williams, and his game made Brett Brown sit up and take notice:
"“He (Ish Smith) wants the ball. I’m at a stage where I have confidence that he’s going to step up and not be intimidated by the moment. He’s not afraid of shooting a free throw. I think it’s a reflection of his growth, which has allowed me to have the confidence that I have in him.” – Brett Brown interview March 2015"
And so, a player who likely should never been released was brought back to the team. But the immediate question is why?
Next: What is Ish Smith's Role