The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Do Not Trade Nerlens Noel

By Dan Falcone

Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have a frontcourt logjam, but they should not be trading Nerlens Noel to clear it.

The articles are flying around the internet regarding the Philadelphia 76ers: Nerlens Noel to the Lakers. Nerlens Noel to the Raptors. Nerlens Noel to the Cavaliers.

Obviously people are watching what he brings and talking about his natural ability and tremendous feats on the court.

As one notable source indicated, “From the moment Philly drafted Ben [Simmons], everyone around the league knew that they would have to trade a big, either Okafor or Nerlens [Noel],” said an NBA scout.

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He continued with, “Okafor is the better scorer; it’s not even close really. But Nerlens has that ability to run the floor and can protect the rim. Those two qualities . . . you can’t have enough guys in the frontcourt who call those two skills, strengths. That’s why Okafor is the more expendable player.”

Many Sixers fans, on the other hand, are having seeing past this crucial point. Yes, Okafor can score, and even has bad nights on that end, but for what Noel offers he has no bad nights.

Here are reasons why the Sixers Must Keep Noel:

  1. He’s coachable. Non offensive players often are. From day one, Noel has submitted to the coaching and learned from one of the best defensive teachers in Brett Brown.
  2. He runs the open floor like mad man and runs hard consistently. Running the floor will be especially important with Ben Simmons and the current personnel. Simmons is fast and we need a big who can trail the play, even lead the break.
  3. Noel is a shot blocker and can spring vertically very quickly. He also does this with either hand. He has great natural ability and times his jump late to challenge the offensive player.
  4. Nerlens is a rim protector and slides horizontally in the help. Noel has court vision and sees the play at all times. He sees each person on the floor and stays in an active stance. He also knows how to defend screen and roll plays.
  5. He is a great communicator on the floor and anchors the front line. He just doesn’t talk, he says things and emphasizes concepts on the court. Noel plays defense when his man does not have the ball. Very important and rare for a center to have.
  6. He is a lead and good example for his teammates and has fun playing. There is no question that Noel is a great natured human being and extraordinarily positive within the Sixers culture.
  7. Noel can pass the basketball outright. One hand, two hands, he finds cutters. That’s special from a big facing the rim.
  8. Nerlens has great vision on both ends of the floor and this makes him a great passer and defender.
  9. Brett Brown loves him. (And so do at least four other NBA teams)
  10. Nerlens Noel was an original part of this unconventional process that will work. He is an organic part of this new look franchise and will be pivotal when they make their run. The Philadelphia 76ers will have their day, and it should be with Noel on roster.

I can see why you would want to trade Noel, if you like offensive output to score highly in  NBA fantasy basketball.  You may even dislike Noel if you love Duke basketball and cool offensive moves and have fallen for Jahlil Okafor, meaning Noel must go.

Next: 3 Reasons to Keep Carl Landry

I understand all of this even if fans watch basketball and don’t really see it, that’s fine. But trading Noel would still be a big mistake. There’s a reason why so many teams want him.

He’s good.

Go Sixers.