BOSTON – This is not where Nerlens Noel thought he would be so soon into his NBA career.
While most 21-year-old NBA players are still trying to find their place in this league, Noel finds himself pulling double duty in trying to establish who he is while being a team leader.
“I feel a lot of weight on my shoulders to help this team, especially as a leader and being the longest-tenured Sixer,” said the Everett, Mass. native who is now entering his third NBA season after sitting out his first season recovering from knee surgery. “I’m most familiar with the system, offensive and defensive concepts. I take a lot of responsibility and accountability on myself to help these young guys out.”
Yes, the 21-year-old Noel is very much a young pup in this league trying to find his way to the front of the pack – while being a leader.
Noel acknowledges how unusual it is that a player so young has that kind of responsibility.
“It is kind of crazy,” Noel said. “Knowing that I’m just 21. I’m taking it straight-on. I want to be this guy for this team.”
He’ll have another young partner in the frontcourt to play with and off of, but it’s not who he expected.
Boston Celtics
Joel Embiid was supposed to be that 1-2 punch for the Sixers this season along with Noel, but recent foot surgery will keep him sidelined all season for the second straight year.
Instead, Noel will be joined by 6-foot-10 center Jahlil Okafor who was selected by the Sixers with the No. 3 pick in last June’s NBA draft.
Both have spent the bulk of their careers playing close to the basket, so there are some concerns about whether spacing will be an issue.
“I don’t think there is a challenge,” Noel said. “It makes things easier. Jahlil is a great player with a great feel for the game. I think we’re going to do great things together. The number one thing about him, he has a feel. He’s a basketball player. He’s not just someone you put on the block. He’s someone that can do a lot of things. He’s very versatile.”
The same is being said about Noel who finished last season strong enough to enter the conversation for the league’s rookie of the year award.
Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins would go on to win the award, with Noel finishing third.
Noel’s lithe frame hasn’t changed much, but that doesn’t take away from his impact around the basket.
Last season, he averaged a near double-double of 9.9 points and 8.1 rebounds to go with 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.
When the Celtics defeated the Sixers 81-65 in a preseason matchup last week, Noel had eight points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots.
The numbers look similar to what he posted last season, but Noel is quick to point out areas of growth in his game may not necessarily show up in the final stats.
When I asked him about improvements to his game heading into this season, Noel didn’t mention added weight or an improved jumper.
His growth was more mental than physical.
“I definitely would say my confidence and feel for the game in the NBA,” Noel said. “Pick and roll concepts, being able to assert myself in a lot of different ways. Just knowing overall what I’m capable of doing.”