The relationship between Nerlens Noel and the Philadelphia 76ers did not end as originally planned as they were forced to trade him last season to clear the logjam they had in their front court. The team’s coaching staff was clearly not satisfied with his performances as Noel only got limited minutes despite already being near 100 percent following his recovery from his injury.
As if benching wasn’t enough to show they weren’t completely happy about the talented young center’s game, the Sixers even decided to retire Dolph Schayes’ number four jersey, while Noel was donning it last year. Although he was allowed to wear it until he was eventually traded, it was still something a lot of people saw as an uncomfortable situation for the former Kentucky Wildcat.
The Sixers decided to retire Dolph Schayes' No. 4 while Nerlens Noel was wearing that number. https://t.co/zuoIAQ3TNA
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) July 10, 2017
For a bit of background, this occurred long ago but was brought up after new acquisition J.J. Redick found out that he can't use the jersey number.
Schayes starred for the then-Nationals squad after it moved to Philly. He was named the team’s playing coach, before he retired and took on the head coaching job full-time. He is considered as one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, and was named and All-Star 12 times during his illustrious career.
Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Noel has found a new home, and is currently in talks for a possible extension with the team. He said before that he felt honored to wear the jersey number of Schayes, but even if he is not with the Sixers anymore, he can use that memory as extra motivation to become the best player he can be, and follow the footsteps of the all-time great center.
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