Philadelphia 76ers Okafor Noel Can Coexist Thanks to McConnell

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Feb 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 103-98. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Nerlens Noel is The Wall

Nerlens Noel is just a different type of player. He has not been the “volume shooter” that you see from some, but his scores can be a thing of beauty, particularly when he gets a solid feed from either Ish Smith or T.J. McConnell. Since Smith was out of the Nets game with an ankle injury, the role of dietician fell squarely on McConnell. McConnell delivered just as he has all season long:

Noel is huge on the alley oop play, but he’s undeniably a premier talent as a rim protector:

"“I think it helps the team, it’s just personnel,” Noel said. “I think me being around the rim helps my shot-blocking presence, especially in the pick-and-roll when they usually bring a 5 up. I think it changes the game.”"

The consensus is that Noel is just that good around the rim, that it’s becoming more obvious that the team needs to move Jahlil Okafor to power forward, and Nerlens Noel back to center. In previous attempts, the defense was crippled. But last night’s effort against the Brooklyn Nets was different. The defense was up to the task, and the offense was hot – led by the Okafor/Noel tandem of 40 points combined.

.@NerlensNoel3 finished with 18 points on 8-for-11shooting against the #Nets. He had his own personal dunk contest. pic.twitter.com/0noSPfaslq
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) February 7, 2016

Since we placed Okafor’s performance up against the history books, we are obligated to oblige Nerlens Noel as well.

.@NerlensNoel3 w/ three blocks & four steals tonight. Joins @AntDavis23 as only 2 players in @NBA w/ 4 games with at least 3 steals/3 blocks
— Sixers Stats (@SixersStats) February 7, 2016

This was a solid outing for Jahlil Okafor, who is now learning the game from the power forward spot. That was a solid outing for Nerlens Noel, who continues to showcase some incredible play. But for the Philadelphia 76ers? The win against the Brooklyn Nets is the new benchmark.

Next: Good Times Ahead