The Sixer Sense
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Is Rim Protector Nerlens Noel A Starter For A Championship Team?

By Bret Stuter

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
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 /
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Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) high fives forward Robert Covington (33) from the court against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) high fives forward Robert Covington (33) from the court against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Count Your Blessings

Imagination and creativity allows someone to see what is not yet there. To envision a signficant role for Nerlens Noel on the Philadelphia 76ers roster, perhaps some imagination and creativity will be needed.  But let’s not discuss what is not, but what is.

Noel is athletic, but not in the version of the tall muscular brick walls of NBA centers.  Along those same lines, Noel is lengthy and lithe.  His wingspan allows him to punch out the ball, reach high and tower over his opponent’s shots.  His burst gives him an ability to stay in the back pocket of whomever he is defending.

What will the NBA be in several years? Based on the general proliferation to small ball offenses, NBA teams will need a response to the quicker shooters who can sink three pointers, but who will charge the basket if an opening presents itself. Nerlens Noel is the response many teams will be seeking.

Next: 5 Sixers Players to Listen to in 2017

And so while we can debate whether a significant offensive presence or defensive presence is more beneficial to the Philadelphia 76ers going forward, one piece has been answered.  And that is, Nerlens Noel deserves to start somewhere.  Because of this, no one should doubt that his agent intends to do just that after his rookie contract expires.

The Philadelphia 76ers should make preparations now.