Fansided

NBA: 10 impact rookies of 2014-15

By Bryce Olin

Sep 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) speaks with reporters during media day at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) speaks with reporters during media day at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

1. Nerlens Noel- PF/C, Philadelphia 76ers

It’s almost unfair to call Noel a rookie, but he did sit out all of last season with torn ACL.

If the 76ers weren’t going to be so bad, I’d actually be excited about seeing Noel on a good team. Think the Pelicans could have had a frontline of Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel at the same time. That would have been terrifying to try to score over. Instead, the Pelicans have Jrue Holiday, and Noel is stuck on a garbage 76ers team that won’t be relevant for at least another three to five seasons. Thanks, Sam Hinkie.

Noel will still be great, if he can stay healthy. I know it’s bad to get excited over summer league, but after watching Noel, I can’t wait to see him in an actual NBA game, and by that I mean in like three seasons when Philadelphia is decent again.

Of course, Noel will have some grand contributions this season, even if it is all for nothing. Noel’s length and athleticism is the perfect combination for the NBA. He might not be strong enough to play with the David West’s or Paul Millsap’s of the world just yet, but he’s nearly there.

You know when you just see someone playing and think “Wow, this guy was born to play basketball.” That’s what I think of when I watch Noel play. Everything about him makes me think he’s going to be great. Defensively, like I said, he might get pushed around in the low block, but his length should give him the opportunity to still contest shots. And offensively, Noel isn’t as limited as he was at Kentucky. His jump shot looks good, and based on summer league, his driving and finishing ability looks pretty good, too.

Now, I’m really excited.

I like the idea of Noel and Joel Embiid playing together along the frontline. Those two will be the building blocks of the future in Philadelphia. I’m just hoping we all get to see it sooner rather than later.

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