Nerlens Noel Pays it Forward to Fans for What They Went Through With Him

Philadelphia 76ers’ former center Nerlens Noel, who was traded at the trade deadline this season, bought Sixers fans cheesesteaks to pay it forward.

Friday night will be a weird night for a lot of people at the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Dallas Mavericks. Not only will it be the team’s first game against Nerlens Noel as an opponent, but it will also be the first time Nerlens Noel comes into Wells Fargo Center as a visitor.

The Mavericks were in Philly on Thursday night, the day before the game, and Noel sent a Tweet out to fans letting them know that if they wanted free cheesesteak, he would be buying at Chickie’s and Pete’s.

“#AllLove” is what Noel had to say about his actions to the fans. All love, indeed.

CSN Philly’s John Clark captured the moments where fans and Noel reunited. He took pictures, embraced children, smiled, and of course, bought food.

“I wanted to show my appreciation [for the fan’s support] and how much it really meant to me,” Noel said to CSN. “It meant the world to me.”

Speaking to Clark, he said, “no fanbase really goes thru something like what WE’VE gone thru.”

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Certainly not. The things the Sixers fans and Noel had to endure were unique. Noel, who is just 22 years old, has dealt with a lot of NBA drama already in his young career.

Noel, who was drafted in 2013, was the resultant piece of the very first move Sam Hinkie made with general manager powers as he led the Sixers and their fans into a rebuild that would entail much more than we ever imagined.

Noel developed into a solid rim protector and incredible offensive player in transition and pick and roll. He began to develop some signs of a solid mid-range game this season as well.

As the trade deadline approached, the Sixers looked to clear their logjam created by Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid. All signs pointed to Okafor being on the move, but when the deadline day came, Noel was the one to leave.

Noel had expressed his displeasure a few times with the logjam and how that was detrimental to him and his fellow teammates.

Next: Noel Reunion Signifies New Chapter for Both Sides

Nonetheless, his time with Philly is over. While he may have had some rocky roads, it’s clear that the fans meant a lot to him.