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Can Philadelphia 76ers’ Nerlens Noel win Rookie of the Year?

By Andrew Melnick

Sep 29, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during media day at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during media day at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Most have seemingly already crowned Milwaukee Bucks’ forward Jabari Parker as the favorite Rookie of the Year Award.

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It makes sense – Parker looks NBA ready and was a big-time scorer in his lone year at Duke. Other players like Minnesota Timberwolves’ swingman Andrew Wiggins and Los Angeles Lakers’ power forward Julius Randle have also been discussed in connection with the award. Another player that was actually draft in 2013, Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Nerlens Noel, could also be in the mix. Noel missed the entire 2013-2014 season while rehabbing from a torn ACL.

Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders believes Noel has a real shot at the Rookie of the Year Award.

"I think Nerlens Noel is the guy, honestly. Philly has so few viable NBA players on that roster, so as long as Nerlens stays healthy I like where he’s headed, particularly statistically. Like with Michael Carter-Williams a year ago, he’s going to accrue big stats out of attrition. Also like MCW, though, Noel is actually really good. I expect big things from him this year, and probably his fair share of ROY votes."

Carter-Williams was awful shooting-wise last year but put up bigger numbers than other rookies because he got to take more shots and the 76ers’ played at an extremely fast pace. The same thing could happen for Noel this season.

Noel 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 in his once injury-shortened season at Kentucky.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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