The Toronto Raptors are interested in acquiring young Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel, reports ESPN’s Marc Stein:
The Raptors are among the teams that have expressed interest in Philadelphia’s very available Nerlens Noel, but sources say Toronto’s initial preference in the wake of losing Jared Sullinger (foot) to injury is to give more minutes to various younger players (such as rookies Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl) so they get first crack at filling the void.
The Raptors could certainly use some help at the power forward position in Jared Sullinger’s absence. Despite Stein’s report, unless Toronto is convinced that young players like Siakam and Poeltl are really ready to contribute, acquiring a more proven young talent like Noel feels like the logical move for a team that is aiming to contend for a championship. Playing young talent as much as possible would be the more obvious move for a young rebuilding team, but that is not the position that the Raptors are in; they made the conference finals last season.
Noel (knee) has not yet played for the Sixers this season. Last year, he averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game.
