Circumstances of Philadelphia 76ers’ center position do not make it easy, but Nerlens Noel has made a difficult situation precariously challenging. To get his big payday next season, Nerlens Noel needs to play his way back atop NBA
Nerlens Noel is an outstanding young NBA center. On the other hand, he is not a very good gambler. So far, he has taken risks with his career that has not helped and may have actually hurt his future. You see, he is one of three starting caliber centers currently on the roster of the Philadelphia 76ers. He plays at the same position as that of Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor.
And there is the rub.
I can speculate about the decisions Nerlens Noel has made leading up to this season. As a matter of fact, I can question the logic of calling out the front office in his contract year. Even beyond that, I can scratch my head in bewilderment at the decision to opt for surgery just as the NBA season opened. With two centers already on minutes restrictions, this was Nerlens Noel’s curtain call. Instead, he remained backstage, working the curtains. It was his moment in the spotlight. He dashed to the shadows.
And now, he needs to find his way back.
It’s not an easy task to do right now. Veteran Elton Brand tried to guide Noel privately. When that failed, he did so publicly.
Elton Brand has been Nerlens Noel's mentor during the summer. He told him not to be an outsider and be a part of the group.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) September 26, 2016
Still, a young man sets his own course. For now, the biggest challenge is setting that course under the shadow of Joel Embiid.