Conspiracy Theory
Nerlens Noel, two year NBA veteran who is in his last contract year with the Philadelphia 76ers, sees this landscape. It was this scenario that Nerlens Noel faces as he tries to play his way into a lucrative second NBA contract worth millions of dollars. But between him and his ultimate payday stands this season, buried in a depth chart, and that has led to frustration:
"“I don’t think it makes too much sense to come into the season with such a heavy lineup at the center position,” said Noel, a fourth-year pro. “‘I don’t see a way of it working. It’s just a logjam.”"
And in that moment, his thoughts escaped to the universe of the internet. But those thoughts are ever present. Has it impacted him, derailed his competitive nature?
Per Tom Moore in todays article at the Bucks County Courier Times, that may indeed be the case:
"“Nerlens Noel notified us this afternoon following shootaround of a left groin strain,” a team spokesman said prior to Brett Brown’s pregame media availability. “He is out this evening.”"
While a groin pull can be a very debilitating injury, the fact that the player volunteered it prior to the home opener is somewhat… curious. Particularly in light of the fact that he was in line for significant minutes in the contest against the Washington Wizards. Missed opportunity, or subtle statement?