Sixers Beat Knicks as Noel Continues ROY Potential

By Max Rappaport, Sixers.com 

As members of the media waited to talk to Sixers head coach Brett Brown after the team’s 97-81 win over the Knicks on Friday night, Nerlens Noel’s mother, Dorcina, shuffled through the press conference area. She approached one of the reporters and politely asked if she could have their printed box score, a keepsake from what could be the banner performance in a Rookie of the Year season.

Coming out of Tilton High School in New Hampshire, Noel was lauded as one of the best defensive prospects of his generation. His offensive game, on the other hand, was considered a work in progress. In 24 games as a freshman with Kentucky, he didn’t attempt a single jump shot, and his career high of 18 points was set in a non-conference game against Long Island University in November 2012; the Blackbirds’ tallest player at the time was 6’7”.

In his first 64 games as a pro, he failed to notch 20 points in a single game despite leading the Sixers in minutes played (1,965). But on Friday, he came out hot, hitting eight of his first 10 shots to hit that mark with nearly 20 minutes left in the game. He finished the game with 23 points, 14 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks in 32 minutes of play.

“[Nerlens Noel] had a disposition tonight where he wanted the ball, and we got him the ball,” said Brett Brown after the game. “[This] was arguably his best NBA game.”

With his robust stat line, he became the first player to hit those marks since Dwight Howard in 2013 and the first Sixer to do so since Charles Barkley in 1990. In the past 30 seasons, only six other players have accomplished the feat, and five of the eight other players who have done so are Hall of Famers.

In 16 appearances since the All-Star break, Noel is averaging 13.2 points (48.8 FG%, 68.9 FT%), 9.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.6 steals per game.

“Around the time of the All-Star break, I really took the time to really just slow things down in my mind and instill in myself the confidence that I needed, to know that I can play at this level,” Noel told reporters. “I think I bring a lot of things to the table, not only just scoring but facilitating, blocking shots, steals… I think as the season comes down, and I continue to play as I’m playing, I should be somewhat in the conversation [for Rookie of the Year].”

With just 13 games remaining this season, the 6’11” center ranks fourth amongst rookies in points per game (9.5), first in rebounds per game (7.9), first in blocks per game (1.9), and first in steals per game (1.8). He has a rookie-best 13 double-doubles, 12 more than presumptive Rookie of the Year frontrunner Andrew Wiggins, who has one.

“Andrew Wiggins [has] sort of retained the crown so far this season, and his name hasn’t gone a way. You can see why, he’s had a hell of a year, [but] I think you have to pay attention to Nerlens,” said Coach Brown after Friday’s game. “His defensive presence, his ability to steal and block shots, and what he’s doing in regards to finishing, I think he has to be in the mix of that conversation.”

No argument here.