The Sixer Sense
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Will Nerlens Noel Play Minutes Enough To Impress NBA?

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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Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Prepare For Deep Discount or Impasse

The conflict has run its course. Options to resolve the matter are now few and far between.  For now, the Philadelphia 76ers still have the ultimate ace in hand to play: the qualifying offer.  That would essentially ensure that some new NBA suitor for Noel’s services next year pay at or near fair market value, or the 76ers will simply match it and retain his services.

It may very well come to that.

For now, some NBA teams need help, but the current volatility has scared teams off to date.  I fear that too few will enter the bidding war at the trade deadline now to give value.  Colangelo has painted himself and the team into a corner on this one, and may be forced to retain Noel. Worse yet, Colangelo’s failure to act has painted coach Brown into the same no-win situation:

Joel Embiid’s endorsement was well timed.  His comments have offered an out to all parties, a back door to save face and frame the probable retention of Noel as a grand experiment to gauge the compatibility of Noel/Embiid.  It may actually work.

Next: The Philadelphia 76ers Must Trade not one, not two, but three Big Men

Whatever happens, don’t expect multiple picks and NBA starters packaged to wrest Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers now. In fact, with limited minutes, no offer may come. Trust The Process, Philadelphia 76ers fans. What “feels” like a bad situation now can turn around rather quickly.

Joel Embiid sees a light at the end of the tunnel. And he is”The Process” now.  I for one trust him.