The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to take a step forward after several years of tanking. While that step may not necessarily result in significantly more wins, it should show fans some progress.
Nevertheless, there are still many questions surrounding this team. Chief among them is the logjam at the center position created by Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor (more like Oak-afor), and Nerlens Noel.
Everyone has noticed that issue, including Noel who publicly called the logjam “silly.” Noel claimed at the time that he is good friends with the other centers but felt as though one needed to be traded.
Well as it turns out, Noel has been pretty distant from the team at other moments, too. So much so, in fact, that veteran big man Elton Brand advised him against it.
Elton Brand says he's talked to Nerlens Noel over the summer. Told him to be around the group and not be an outsider.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 26, 2016
Before this week, it never seemed as though Noel was not part of the “group.” But this is a mildly disconcerting thing to hear. It may be due to the trade rumors surrounding him, but Noel doesn’t seem to be enjoying his time as a 76er.
That said, Nerlens Noel could just be a bit of a loner which is okay. As long as he doesn’t have any issues with teammates, there probably isn’t anything wrong with him being a little distanced.
