It's been a process for Nerlens Noel to figure out the best way to fit into this league.
The former 6th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft missed his entire rookie season due to injury and has had mixed amounts of success the past two seasons.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown is here to help and wants Noel to emulate Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo to continue his development.
Via The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Brown said Noel is similar to former Sixer and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and Bismack Biyombo. Biyombo signed a four-year $72 million deal with the Orlando Magic this summer.
“Nerlens has got elite gifts,” Brown said. “He’s as athletic and quick off the floor and quick rim to rim as anyone that I’ve coached, as any big man in the league.”
Noel can be a defensive presence blocking shots like those two, but he's a little different. He's more mobile on the perimeter, something that's also helped Noel become one of the best big men in the league at getting steals.
The comparisons don't feel quite right with Mutombo and Biyombo. Noel is more of a Marcus Camby type if anything. But Brown's point is still clear. He needs Noel to blossom into a better protector at the rim.
It's interesting enough that Brown is talking about Noel's development considering the trade rumors that have surrounded Noel and the other Philly big men. It feels like one of them will eventually be gone. But in the meantime, maybe Noel can take the next step in his game and become one of the league's best shot blockers.
Follow Us
Subscribe