The plot between Nerlens Noel and the Philadelphia Sixers…is getting weirder.
Not 48 hours ago, it seemed like Noel would be out of the Sixers’ rotation indefinitely, which would in turn lead to the trade we’ve all been waiting for. But general manager Bryan Colangelo clearly has other ideas, per CSN Philly’s Jessica Camerato:
B. Colangelo: "I will not make a bad deal for this organization," in regard to trading a big just to trade a big.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 19, 2016
Colangelo said Sixers intend to pair Noel and Embiid together at some point and evaluate that duo.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 19, 2016
Not surprisingly, Sixers head coach Brett Brown now shares this view, per Tom Moore of Calkins Media:
#Sixers Brown says Noel will eventually get a chance. 'he's only practiced like twice.'
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) December 20, 2016
Okay then.
Look, getting Noel time alongside Embiid makes sense. Those two, together, have a better chance of being a defensive plus than an Embiid-Jahlil Okafor partnership. Noel is still developing as a pick-and-roll diver and probably won’t be able to ever generate his own offense on a consistent basis, but he’s a decent passer and his defensive talent more than makes up for any offensive deficit he creates—especially when he’s paired with Embiid, who’s a monster on both sides of the floor.
But the Sixers still need to make a decision on this frontcourt pileup. They cannot move forward with all of Embiid, Okafor, Noel and even Richaun Holmes. It’s doesn’t make the slightest bit of sense, particularly when Noel will be up for a raise this summer and Embiid will be extension-eligible.
Which is to say we haven’t heard the last of Noel trade rumors. The Sixers, more likely than not, will play him in hopes he drums up his trade value and secures them an adequate return. The alternative has them letting him walk this summer or retaining him on a new lucrative contract just to prevent themselves from losing him for nothing—neither of which is an appetizing option.
