The Sixer Sense
Fansided

76ers Brown Pulls Plug On Power Forwarding Jahlil Okafor

By Bret Stuter

Jan 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) reacts with head coach Brett Brown after his score during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) reacts with head coach Brett Brown after his score during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown gives direction to forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Sixers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown gives direction to forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Sixers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Noel Is Team Player

Noel was the player who saw the challenges coming and worked hard in the off-season to acclimate his game to the demands of the four spot. His practice sessions at Newport Rhode Island were intended to bring his game up at power forward. But the effort has been a struggle so far.  In terms of flexibility, Noel has been a true professional, accepting whatever role has been asked of him.

When the season started, they asked Noel to set up at power forward. When he struggled there, the team asked him to rotate off the bench. When Jahlil Okafor was suspended for two games, Nerlens Noel was given the chance to play center again. When Ish Smith returned, Nerlens Noel was asked to rekindle the magic he shared with Smith a year ago. At all junctures this season, Noel has acquiesced to the requests of the team.

“It’s been a difficult adjustment at times.” – Nerlens Noel

It’s a nice refreshing change in the face of the player issues in other Philadelphia sports franchises.

"“We had some wins with Nerlens at a 5, then Jahlil got healthy and Nerlens gets bumped back to the 4,” Brown said. “He’s got to play defense sometimes as a 4 and offense sometimes as a 4. Jah has been where he’s always been, so Jahlil really isn’t taking a hit as far as a comfort level. Nerlens most definitely is. I know at times that would be frustrating for him."

Noel revealed that he’s worked hard and making the best of the situation.

"“It’s been a difficult adjustment at times. It’s different,” Noel said. “Obviously, a new position is something new in the game of basketball when you’re not really used to it. You have to adjust in different ways. I’m better with more things that a 5 man does right now.”"

We had thought at one point that the Sixers would flip the pair, and give Noel a chance at center while Okafor adapted his game to the four spot. But that option has now been closed.

Next: Brett Browns Dilemma