The Sixer Sense
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NBA Rumors: More To Nerlens Noel Scratch?

By Bret Stuter

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown gestures from the sidelines during the first half against the Boston Celtics at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown gestures from the sidelines during the first half against the Boston Celtics at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

All Business

While there is some curiosity about the way Noel’s injury was brought to light, head coach Brett Brown has dismissed any distraction with Noel in the past. In a September 29, 2016 article by Keith Pompey of Philly.com, Brown defended his veteran center.

"“He handled [things] with me and in the training-camp session today like a pro,” Sixers coach Brett Brown said. “He came to mean it. He didn’t back down at all. There was no moping or sulking or him being stubborn. He played. I see early days’ daylight, a bright white light for Nerlens Noel. He’s the only one right now that has no restrictions. And so, you know, opportunity creates different things.””"

But opportunity, like potential, is only positive when it is claimed and taken in a positive direction. Whatever is going on right now with these Philadelphia 76ers at center, it’s confusing.

If it were all business, surely Nerlens Noel had plenty of incentive to play against the Washington Wizards.   In 2015-2016, he faced the Wizards four times.  In those games he averaged 10.8 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.25 blocks and 3 steals on 31 minutes per game.