The Sixer Sense
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What Can Sixers Expect From Sophomore Jahlil Okafor?

By Bret Stuter

Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Nerlens Noel Sophomore Season

Nerlens Noel may have a different style than that of Jahlil Okafor, but he’s in the same system, playing for the same coaches, getting the same analytics feedback, and playing for the same team at the same position(s), albeit not simultaneously.  And so, lets compare his two NBA years so far.

As a rookie, Noel was a defensive standout, generating 8.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.8 steals per game while modestly contributing on the offense to the tune of 9.9 points per game on 46.2% shooting from the floor.  His impact was impressive.   But he was rookie shy.   He was absorbing the NBA for the first time, and so, he was caught trying to process so much, so often.

"“I’d go to talk to him, and he’d look away bashfully. He has those saucer-shaped eyes, and you just want to hug him. Then I’ll play text tag with him, and then all of a sudden he just blossoms, like, ‘Really? You’re this thoughtful, articulate, well thought out?’ There’s a lot more going on in Nerlens Noel than people know.” – Philadelphia 76er head coach Brett Brown describing Nerlens Noel’s first season"

He punctuated his rookie effort by leading all rookies in double doubles (18), averaging nearly 2 blocks and 2 steals per game, and he missed just six games after spending the entire previous season on rehab.

Despite migrating to a hybrid center/power forward role, Noel is currently leading the team with 7.9 rebounds, 1.52 blocks and 1.7 steals per game.  His offense has improved to 10.9 points per game. All of this despite averaging two fewer minutes per game this season.  But the greater impact to his game is the fact that he is now fully aware of his environment.

Noel had an excellent interview by Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling on April 2015, where he goes into detail about his rookie season.

Next: Noel's Rookie Season- in his words