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Nerlens Noel will give the 76ers much-needed help in the paint

By Andrew Melnick

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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The Philadelphia 76ers dealt point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans and the sixth-overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft was one of the assets they received in return. They used the selection on big man Nerlens Noel. Noel, who was coming off of a torn ACL, sat out the entire 2013-2014 season. He made his debut in the Orlando Pro Summer League in July and was impressive.

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John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders believes Noel will really help the 76ers in the paint.

"After being chosen fifth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, Noel missed the entire 2013-14 season due to injury. He will begin this upcoming season fully healthy and will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent in Philadelphia. Had he not been injured while at Kentucky, he likely would’ve been the top overall pick in last year’s draft. Now, we’ll get a chance to see what the top prospect can do against NBA competition. The gifted shot blocker looked good in Summer League and should provide the Sixers with some much needed help in the paint."

It should be another long year for the 76ers. They spent their two first round picks on former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid and Croatian forward Dario Saric. Embiid had foot surgery and may miss the entire season while Saric is not coming to the NBA for at least another year. They are the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Draft Lottery already.

In Noel’s lone year at Kentucky, he averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 blocks, 2.1 steals and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 59.0% from the field and 52.9% from the free throw line.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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