Philadelphia 76ers’ Nerlens Noel the Rookie of the Year frontrunner?
In 2013, the Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with former All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday in order to acquire the sixth-overall pick of the 2013 Draft, big man Nerlens Noel. Noel tore his ACL in February of 2013 and missed the entire 2013-2014 season, meaning he will officially be a rookie this season.
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According to Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders, Noel is the frontrunner to win the Rookie of the Year Award.
"Nerlens Noel is going to be exciting to watch, as he’ll unquestionably be a Rookie of the Year frontrunner considering his extra year of NBA seasoning and the likelihood that he’ll play the overwhelming majority of the 48 minutes available to him in any given game. Beyond that, critics are tepid in their feelings for Michael Carter-Williams and there really isn’t much else on this roster to generate much excitement. Joel Embiid could eventually play this year, but no one’s counting on that. It’s going to be a long season for Sixers fans, who once again are waiting on the lottery, which has now become the most exciting part of the year for them."
Noel made his NBA debut this summer, playing in both the Orlando Pro and Las Vegas Pro Summer Leagues. Although the 76ers were careful with Noel, limiting his minutes and games played, he was very impressive.
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.
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