The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Position Analysis Under Brett Brown: Part I Center

By Bret Stuter

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Mar 14, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Henry Sims (35) passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Nets won 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Henry Sims (35) passes the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Nets won 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2014: Nerlens Noel / Henry Sims

With the start of the 2014 season, the long awaited debut of center Nerlens Noel arrived to the court of the Wells Fargo Center and the former starting center of the Sixers Henry Sims was tasked with a backup role.

While Noel excited fans in Philadelphia with his defensive skills, Sims struggled to stay healthy in a backup role.  Noel averaged 9.9 PPG for the team, 8.1 RPG, and 1.89 BPG on 30.8 minutes.   He also allowed 1.9 TPG while generating 1.77 SPG.   His performance was so noteworthy that it enabled Noel to be named to the 2014-15 NBA All-Rookie First Team as voted on by a panel of 130 sports writers.  Of 75 games played, Noel started 71 of them and played outstanding basketball, the style of which has not been seen since the play of NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon began 50 games in 1994-95.  Noel, who turned 21 years old during the season, led all rookies in steals, blocks, rebounding, and double-doubles (18).  In addition to being the only player to rank in the top-10 in both steals and blocks this past season, Noel joined David Robinson as the only other rookie in NBA history to have averaged at least 1.50 steals and 1.50 blocks.

You can catch a video of his 2014 -2015  performance by clicking on this link.

Next: Oh Henry!