Philadelphia 76ers Should Build Around Duke Center Jahlil Okafor

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Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) jump for the ball to start the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Nerlens Noel

Next on the roster is that of 6’10” second year man Nerlens Noel.

One of the keys to that championship team was the sixth man, Bobby Jones. At 6’9″ and 209 pounds, Jones had just come off a poor year defensively (his rating rose from 99 to 103 points per game), but he was great off that bench, where his defense shut down the opposing team before they could rally back.

Noel too had a blip in his defensive rating, he too rose from 99 to 103. Now with the team embarking on a new build, his role can be clearly designated as the big guy off the bench.
Some would see that as a demotion. But in the objective to turn the 76ers into a championship, and continue to pour 20+ minutes his way, it would be a sensible move.

Noel is not an offensive powerhouse, but in this new roster he needn’t be. He simply needs to be that guy who shuts down the other team.

The key to the pairing of Noel and Okafor on the same team is stop trying to force extended periods with both on the court. Simply bring Noel in at either the four or five spot to give starters a rest, or in moments of the game when the team needs to ramp up the defense.

Noel need not be “dealt” when there is plenty of need on this team right now for his skills.

Next: Mo' Teague