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76ers Nerlens Noel dominates defensively (Video)

By Henry McKenna

Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during warmups prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during warmups prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers Nerlens Noel showed he was comfortable on offense in his first outing. In his second, he displayed dominant effort and athleticism on defense.

It’s hard to know which performance was more impressive. The 19-point scoring display or the three-block, two-steal defensive outing. Take a look at the highlights from his game on Tuesday.

This is the third Summer league game for the Sixers. Noel sat out of the second as a predetermined precaution.

Brett Pollakoff of Pro Basketball Talk broke down the video with some analysis:

"His speed, quickness and agility are what perhaps jump out at you the most, especially for a player his size. Should Noel be able to stay healthy and continue his development, no one will question the Sixers decision to sit him out all of last season. And similarly, no one will doubt [General Manager] Sam Hinkie’s willingness to take a comparable injury risk in this year’s draft by selecting Joel Embiid with the third overall pick."

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It’s easy to drool over prospects in the summer league, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s not necessarily an indicator of immediate impact for a player like Noels, who’s athleticism and size gives him a large advantage in the lesser competition of the Summer league.

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