Philadelphia 76ers could be a force with Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel

Philadelphia 76ers rookie big man Nerlens Noel missed the entire 2013-2014 season as he rehabbed the torn ACL he suffered back in February of 2013. That’s why it came as a surprise to some when the 76ers spent another lottery pick on an injured big man this year, selecting former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid with the third-overall pick.

"Honestly, though, if Noel and Embiid can get healthy, man, watch out. I think they should’ve gone through with getting Anthony Bennett, too. That’d be quite a young frontline. But with those two bigs and MCW, the Sixers could be a force in years ahead."

The 76ers reportedly plan on keeping the two and eventually playing them together. Spacing could be an issue down low unless one of them improves their shooting. Plus with Carter-Williams being such a poor shooter, at least at this stage in his career, if he doesn’t improve greatly, offense could really struggle. Of course, there is plenty of time to figure that out and the 76ers are in no rush.

Noel made his debut during the summer and looked very good. 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. Embiid was ranked second among all prospects by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express (behind former Kansas teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins). Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 62.6% from the field, 20.0% from beyond the arc and 68.5% from the free throw line.

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