Nerlens Noel thinks the Philadelphia 76ers’ center rotation is funny—in a very un-funny sort of way.
Just prior to the team opening for training camp, Noel expressed high-key disgust for a frontcourt logjam that features himself, Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid at center, in addition to Richaun Holmes, Dario Saric and Ben Simmons at power forward, per Philly.com’s Keith Pompey:
“I think it’s just silly . . . this situation that we are in now with three starting centers,” Noel said on the eve of the Sixers’ media day. “With the departure of [former general manager and president] Sam Hinkie, I would have figured that management would be able to get something done this summer.”
The Sixers declined to comment on the matter.
“I think something needs to happen,” Noel said.
Given the opportunity to backtrack at the Sixers’ media day on Monday, Noel instead doubled down, per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor:
Noel didn't look eager to stop talking about things not working in Philly as Sixers PR said "that's it" for questions. Noel kept answering.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) September 26, 2016
Noel isn’t really demanding a trade here. Pompey noted that the 22-year-old has a soft spot for the organization and his teammates. But he has a point. It will be tough to distinguish himself and log heavy minutes at center, his natural position, if that time is also being divvied up between Embiid and Okafor. His minutes will be further curtailed by the pileup at power forward; he isn’t suited for that position, but if the Sixers’ depth chart was empty there, he would at least see more floor time.
This would be an issue for anyone who likes to play, but Noel’s situation is particularly unique. He is slated for restricted free agency this summer, and being a part of a center platoon diminishes the likelihood that he’ll be able to make a leap that justifies a serious payday.
He may still get a huge offer sheet from some team, even if it’s not the Sixers, no matter what his role is this season. But there’s no doubt his future would look brighter if he wasn’t locked in competition within his own locker room.
