The Sixer Sense
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Can Joel Embiid Resolve Nerlens Noel Drama?

By Bret Stuter

Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (left) and center Joel Embiid (right) share a laugh during warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Embiid is The Process

Joel Embiid cut through the posturing and the flames of emotions. With an incredibly tactful style and expert use of english, he aligned with Nerlens Noel.  Embiid knows the challenge of aligning with offensive minded Jahlil Okafor. He also knows the Philadelphia 76ers are his team going forward.

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    • As such, he’s not about to allow an incredible defensive talent like Noel slip out of the 76ers hands without a challenge. Recall the sell high buy low mandate of Hinkie. Right now, Noel is abysmally undervalued by the NBA. That serves to fuel his motivation, as well as limit his other options. And in the big picture, Noel is a month younger than Embiid.

    The common thread among all players selected by Hinkie to remain on the 76ers team is their uncanny versatility.  Players can play multiple positions, can be called into action for a small ball line-up or be sent in to out-heighten their opponent.

    Save one: Jahlil Okafor.

    It up to you, Joel

    It’s now up to Embiid to salvage the situation.   To do that, he needs to force all combatants back into their neutral corners. Then it’s a matter of systemically mixing and matching front court players to witness which grouping feels most compatible.

    This is not a championship basketball team.  But this team will compete for championships in the not-too-distant future.  To do so, it will take more than talent. It will take the type of friendship, and trust, displayed by Joel Embiid for his teammate Nerlens Noel.

    This is the Christmas Season, fans.  Before your very eyes is a living example of The Christmas Carol. Sam Hinkie is the ghost of Christmas past.  Joel Embiid is the ghost of Christmas present.  I can only speculate regarding who may step forward as the ghost of Christmas future.

    Next: Allen Iverson honored by 76ers, speaks on resting players issue

    In any case, give Nerlens Noel some playing time. Our destiny may depend on it.