The Philadelphia 76ers have too many centers with star talent and not enough minutes for each of them to develop to their fullest potential.
One of Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel probably will have to be traded at some point. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the odd man out could be Noel.
“Nothing has changed here. Noel has yet to appear in a game this season after electing to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery last month, but word is he’d still prefer to be shipped to a new address with so many big men to battle for playing time in Philly,” Stein wrote Tuesday. “Count on the Sixers to accommodate him eventually.”
Noel, who averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, is known more for his defensive ability than his scoring. Despite his injuries, he does have value with so many teams in need of rim protection. The 22-year-old also has plenty of room for improvement and is nowhere close to his ceiling.
Making matters a little easier for the 76ers has been the early play of Embiid, who made his pro debut this season after injuries prevented him from playing the last two campaigns.
Embiid is averaging 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His strong play, in addition to the eventual return of 2016 No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons from injury, could make it easier for Philly to finally trade one of its centers and alleviate its frontcourt logjam.
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
