Is Rim Protector Nerlens Noel A Starter For A Championship Team?

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Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) dunks during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

In the debate over which, if any, centers to deal, the point is made that Nerlens Noel’s rim-protecting is needed on a championship team. But is he good enough to start on one?

Rim Protection.

It’s the ability to block shots close to the basket. Rim- protection is one of the dominant skills by Philadelphia 76ers center/power forward Nerlens Noel.

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Finally, I believe there is a consensus to the belief that rim protection is a necessary component to an NBA championship team. These points have been raised frequently in the never-ending debate of whether Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel should be the odd man out going forward with the team.

The NBA has certain skill sets that are applauded more than others. A point guard who can make circus passes, a shooting guard who can sink a three, and a center who can block shots are all held in the highest regard in the NBA.

Nerlens Noel fits the third description, somewhat. To be a true rim protector, a player must lead the NBA (or at least appear in the top ten) in blocking shots. While Noel’s rookie season certainly set the stage for that level performance, his sophomore season show a drop from 2.95 per 48 to 2.44 per 48. As a rookie, he came in at 15th in the NBA , but by the time he played his second year, he fell all the way to 24th in the NBA, virtually tied with about-to-retire Tim Duncan.

What caused the precipitous drop?

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