A few weeks ago, Nerlens Noel raised eyebrows by discussing the Sixers’ big man rotation. With Joel Embiid, Jalil Okafor, and a few other bigs, Noel was not getting much playing time. But after that initial complaint, it seems like things are going better for the Kentucky product.
In the last six games, Noel has played an average of 21 minutes per game while Okafor has mostly been out of the rotation. That’s not a lot of playing time for a former lottery pick but it has been a more consistent effort to keep him involved and engaged.
That’s paid dividends as the big man as he seems pretty happy about the situation. From Keith Pompey of The Inquirer:
“At this moment in time, I’m definitely satisfied with where I’m at and the team’s rotation,” Noel said. “I think I’m able to go out there and still affect the game, change the game multiple ways.”
Noel has been great in his limited minutes and now that he’s playing more, he’s helping the Sixers succeed on the court. The have won three in a row and five of their last six.
It’s still not clear what happens to the 76ers’ big man rotation by the end of the year. Ben Simmons should be back soon and he will add more to the logjam that already exists.
Nerlens Noel could still be traded with so many teams interested. But at the moment he’s making a case as the Sixers second best player and a valuable part of the team’s future.
