NBA rumors: 3 playoff teams who need to sign Nerlens Noel today

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 10: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Jan 10, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Pistons center Nerlens Noel (9) drives for a score past Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and guard James Harden (1) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Playoff teams that need to sign Nerlens Noel: 2. Philadelphia 76ers

In 2013, Sam Hinkie and the Philadelphia 76ers kicked off The Process by trading All-Star guard Jrue Holiday and the 42nd pick (Pierre Jackson) to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the sixth pick (Nerlens Noel) and a 2014 first-round pick (Elfrid Payton). Noel played three seasons for the franchise.

It would be poetic to bring a founding member of The Process back, as the Sixers attempt to make their first finals run since 2001.

Noel would immediately become the team’s best defensive big man behind Joel Embiid. The Sixers need quality depth behind Embiid, who has an extensive injury history. Noel could shoulder some of the workload for the remainder of the regular season and step in as a starter if need be.

The Sixers did recently sign Dewayne Dedmon, but with a title on the line, they need to explore every possible avenue to improve their roster.

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