Noel Takes On Two Roles
Meanwhile, former center Nerlens Noel made a significant effort to transition to the power forward position in the off-season. The initial plan was to develop a mid range shot so that Noel and Okafor could co-exist on the court simultaneously. But with some playing time, there was a time when it appeared that Noel was the better center, and Okafor’s soft handed shots could be made at mid range. However, that experiment did not succeed.
With Noel oscillating between center and power forward, he is still producing well for the team: he’s improved offensively, boosting his scoring to 10.8 PPG despite transitioning to a hybrid center power forward role on this team. His defense remains strong with 8.3 RPG and 1.56 BPG (good number from a player spending time at the four spot). And he offsets his 2.4 TPG with 1.56 SPG. In short, he continues to deliver.
But perhaps it should be mentioned now that Noel has generated some chemistry with point guards Ish Smith and T.J.McConnell, and as the season progresses the offense of the Sixers will emphasize that aspect of the pick and roll and alley oops more and more frequently. While that may reduce the number of shots for Okafor, he will get cleaner looks and those looks translate into much more accurate shooting from the post man.
Brett Brown is working patiently to develop this pair, and break the stalemate of hesitancy.
"“We sort of looked around at each other, and we can’t do that. I put it right on Nerlens’ and Jahlil’s doorsteps. As things are happening, they can’t be quiet. They have to find ways to lead. They (Okafor and Noel) have to learn how to grow to be leaders. We took a punch last night (a loss to the Atlanta Hawks) and never really responded. We talk about them as our highest-drafted players. I feel like it’s on me to take that profile and mesh it in with leadership skills and some level of grumpiness, competitiveness. Like, that ain’t acceptable. It’s not acceptable. Grab people and talk to them and put their own hand up and get back on transition defense. It’s going to be the same old same old until April 13 or whenever our last game is. That’s the challenge [with] those two guys on the floor, offensively and defensively. But I can’t abandon it. That’s my job.” – Brett Brown discusses developing Noel and Okafor."
The team is a work in process, but both Noel and Okafor are already well on their way to having huge NBA careers. All that remains to be seen is the next step. With patience and experience, this team could be one of the elite front courts of the NBA.
Next: 2016: Okafor/Noel