Philadelphia 76ers Nerlens Noel Must Earn Top NBA Center Contract

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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) and Chicago Bulls guard Justin Holiday (7) attempt to get a loose ball during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Play Within Himself

Joel Embiid is on track to become a franchise player in the NBA. As a matter of fact, it’s virtually impossible NOT to watch him on the basketball court. He’s just that good.

Meanwhile, Jahlil Okafor is a scorer. While he has certainly plenty of debate going about his basketball awareness, defense, and athleticism, he can create offense. He can dominate at the post, create shots, beat double teams, and appear natural in the effort.

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And then there is Nerlens Noel. Nerlens Noel is not a top NBA scorer. In fact, Nerlens Noel continues working on his shot selection and arsenal. But there is likely a ceiling on Noel’s offense that falls below that of Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor. So what niche can Noel carve for himself to restore himself to relevance?

Nerlens Noel is a defensive standout in the NBA. Is it enough to justify his spot on an NBA roster? We pondered long and hard about the possibilities of a future Philadelphia 76ers team without Noel. Since then, the team has exchanged Jerami Grant for the services of veteran Ersan Ilyasova. Whereas Grant was stronger defensively, Ilyasova has brought offense and range to the lineup.

The Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown has emphasized defense this season. In the absence of Grant, with the offensive struggles of Covington, and with the lack of playing time of Holmes, Noel still has a vacuum on this roster to fill. He could either fill minutes at center with Ilyasova or Saric at the power forward, or he could slide out to the four to give the team a tremendous defensive duo of Embiid and Noel. Great potential exists with Noel on the team roster this season, more than many realize.