Why Nerlens Noel is making the right decision

Derrick Rose might have started a trend.

Nerlens Noel was the assumed top pick in the 2013 draft during last season,  but he tore his ACL back in February, and dropped to the 6th pick. The Sixers gave up Jrue Holiday for him, so they are putting faith in him. Early reports stated that Noel may be back for December, but as we told you yesterday, Noel will probably miss the entire season.

So is this good for Nerlens Noel? Yes, if the Sixers handle this right. Blake Griffin broke his knee cap during his rookie season, and he missed the entire year. During that time, they had Griffin travel with the team, and watch film as well. It helped him see how an NBA team operates, and it could mean a lot of time to develop the small things. Sixers’ coach Brett Brown told the media that he will be a member of the team just like everybody else, according to CSN Philly:

"Brown said Noel’s progress is “slow” and “everybody (Brown included) doubts he is going to play this year.”“But he is with us in every way — practice, film, shootaround,” Brown said."

Philadelphia won’t be any good this year–in fact they are admitting that it is time to rebuild through the draft. If Noel’s progress is slow, then there is no reason to rush him. Noel can see how an NBA player deals with things by learning from his teammates, and can have a unique perspective.

There’s no doubt that he could play this year. If Noel tore it in February, he could probably play this February at the latest. The smart thing to do is sit him out. If he plays and struggles, it may cause his confidence to fall, and he could start forming bad habits. Now, they can focus on forming a better offensive skill set in practice, and he can learn all the intricacies of being an NBA player. The Sixers and Noel are doing the smart thing.