Nerlens Noel

[Phenom]

There has been quite a bit of chatter in the last few weeks that strongly indicates that the Sixers are open to dealing Noel or Okafor for a high lottery pick, presumably to land either Jamal Murray or Kris Dunn. There were some rumors here and there that the Wolves would be looking into dealing the #5 pick where one or both may be available.

I think the chances of a trade are particularly low as I can't seem to think of many good options that I believe to be available. Noel is probably the lone exception. I do not think we should have or do have much interest in Okafor but maybe some do.

Noel is right in the wheelhouse as far as age is concerned and could grow with this team. He has the makings of a fantastic defensive presence that could thrive under Thibs direction and be the yin to Town's yang. He would strictly be a finisher on offense for this team that will rely on Ricky's decision-making and the offense will rely heavily on Wiggins, Towns, and LaVine. He is due for an extension soon and likely a hefty one but is there a better front court compliment to Towns that is a realistic get? We could conceivably roll out the same starting 5 for the next 10 years. Could also signal the end of Gorgui at some point.

I imagine a trade would occur on draft night when the Wolves and Sixers see who is available and maybe the Wolves would trade Dunn and keep Murray or vice versa. Where do you stand on a trade assuming no other pieces are involved?

[Phenom]

I am on the fence as of now. I think this team could still use another high quality guard to compete with the current NBA but a defensive juggernaut will often prevail anyway and the Wolves could be that with Noel on board. Will it be easier to acquire a high quality guard or a high quality defensive big later on and do we already have that in Gorgui? Thibs apparently loves Gorgui so there's that.

[Phenom]

Here is a stat to chew on

"There are exactly six players in NBA history who've put up the steal and block rates that Noel has in each of his two NBA seasons (min. 1,000 min): Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Andrei Kirilenko, Ben Wallace, Gerald Wallace, Nerlens Noel. That's incredibly impressive company, even without keeping in mind that Noel just turned 22 this month."

http://www.todaysfastbreak.com/nba-east/philadelphia-76ers/column-noel-teague-rumor-scary-76ers/

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

Noel is too much of a one way player. I prefer Gorgui. However, if both Bender and Hield are off the board and Philly were to throw in their two late first round picks along with Noel for our 5 and Bazz, I'd do that deal no problem.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm on record for being one to suggest that trade and have already argued it thoroughly. Just wanted to put my name by my vote. Yes, I'd be all over that deal. The luxury of having both bigs be abnormally mobile and able to guard on the perimeter AND protect the rim is too enticing for me to pass up. Pair that with what I believe to be the best defensive mind in basketball in Coach Thibodeau and our defense should be among the elite -- if not the best -- in the NBA.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

I'm on record for being one to suggest that trade and have already argued it thoroughly. Just wanted to put my name by my vote. Yes, I'd be all over that deal. The luxury of having both bigs be abnormally mobile and able to guard on the perimeter AND protect the rim is too enticing for me to pass up. Pair that with what I believe to be the best defensive mind in basketball in Coach Thibodeau and our defense should be among the elite -- if not the best -- in the NBA.

I'm all for defense, but lets go after two way players. Dieng scores much higher than Noel in advanced stats. Noel has an RPM of -1.06 (231st overall) and Win Shares of 2.62 (156th overall) while Dieng has an RPM of 2.68 (38th overall) and Win Shares of 8.11 (34th overall). I love Noel's defense but hate his offense and I think 5th overall shouldn't be wasted on a one-way guy who is worse than our current starter (Dieng) and will want to get paid big money soon. Keep the 5th overall or trade it only if Philly coughs up their late 2 first rounders in addition to Noel.

[MikeAz [enjin:6636981]]

I'd do number 5 for Noel or Okafor, IMO both are better than anyone you can get at #5. I could see Towns paired with either of them. I'm guessing Thibs doesn't have much interest in Okafor though.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

I'd do number 5 for Noel or Okafor, IMO both are better than anyone you can get at #5. I could see Towns paired with either of them. I'm guessing Thibs doesn't have much interest in Okafor though.

Both those guys are terrible free throw shooters. I don't want to watch the other team hack our big. Meanwhile KAT and Dieng are amazingly good free throw shooting bigs who under good coaching should be great end of game players.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

No thanks, don't want Noel. Can't shoot.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

No thanks, don't want Noel. Can't shoot.

Guess Rubio brings nothing to the table either.