The Sixer Sense
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NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks ?s = Philadelphia 76ers Answers

By Bret Stuter

May 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and Chicago Bulls guard Justin Holiday (7) attempt to get a loose ball during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and Chicago Bulls guard Justin Holiday (7) attempt to get a loose ball during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Nerlens Wall

Perhaps the Atlanta Hawks are not interested in Jerami Grant. That’s their option. Perhaps they want to crash the ceiling on defensive skills, and pull out one of the NBA’s best defenders. Where do they go? To Philadelphia of course, but towards defensive standout center/power forward Nerlens Noel.

Nerlens Noel is a much closer value to Jeff Teague, in fact, he may be of equal value. Teague, as we know from our discussion so far, is very consistant but he falls short of a player who can step up in a “must win” situation like the NBA Playoffs.  While Noel doesn’t have NBA playoff experience, he also hasn’t hit his ceiling yet either.

Noel has been hindered by the youth of the Philadelphia 76ers in the regard that he is an outlet scorer.  The Sixers offense is planned to move the ball quickly to the open man, who then takes higher percentage shots and score.   Unfortunately, the team had a volume scorer at point guard, inconsistent scoring from the perimeter,  and virtually no mid range action unless Elton Brand or Carl Landry stepped onto the basketball court.  Those struggles kept the opposing team defense bunched at the post, which mitigated the full impact of Noel’s defense.  While his season totals ran at 11.1 points per game,  by seasons end he was averaging well over 12 points per game.

We had brought up the fact that Nerlens Noel merely needs to develop a wider variety of shots, and consistency, and he will be in line for an NBA All-Star nomination.  Is that the type of player who should intrigue the Atlanta Hawks?  He certainly should, particularly since he remains on his rookie contract.  If the Sixers do not see Noel as one of the key players going forward, and if they are happy to settle on Teague, then the team could sweeten the deal with the 26th pick of this NBA draft.

In any case there’s no guesswork that the two teams will be engaged in trade talks, having stated they would revisit the possibility of a trade this off-season.  The Altanta Hawks, swept two years in a row, must now realize they must change their roster to have a real chance at defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.   The Philadelphia 76ers have stockpiled young talent who are ready to take it to the next level.  They can fill the vacancy in the front court with the debut of Joel Embiid or Dario Saric.

Next: 76ers In Need Of Veteran Point Guard

Deals only work if both teams walk away stronger.   Atlanta can walk away with strong young defenders and a first round draft pick at low cost, while Philadelphia can add a playoff veteran to their back court to bridge the roster through the 2016-2017 roster.  Its a win-win deal for both teams.  The Hawks bolster their defense significantly, the 76ers fill the vacuum of a veteran point guard.

Now we just need to sit back and allow the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers to reach the same conclusion.