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Philadelphia 76ers: The Best And Worst Case Pro-Comparisons For Young Players

By George Kondoleon

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) during an introduction press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nerlens Noel

Best Case Scenario: DeAndre Jordan

Worst Case Scenario: Roy Hibbert

Philadelphia 76ers’ center Nerlens Noel is coming off somewhat stagnant sophomore season. With little to no improvement from his rookie year, Noel is still one of the most exciting rim protectors in the league making him an attractive trade chip. Noel can seemingly stop anything around the rim, but struggles to score on most attempts.

Noel’s ceiling is DeAndre Jordan, a huge dunk-block kind of player that can swing moment of the game. Noel can excel with a pure facilitator, but will only be able to score above the rim. He will continue to be one of the game’s fiercest shot blockers, much like Jordan is. Jordan is one of the key component to a yearly playoff team, so this ceiling is nothing to scoff at.

On the flip side of things, Noel could fall down the spiral of becoming a flash in the pan, much like Roy Hibbert has. Hibbert went from one of the league’s most feared defenders with the Indiana Pacers, to quickly becoming a cheap big man option off the bench. Hibbert is practically a non-factor on offense, and his defense in the paint is questionable, although still a good blocker.

The key components of all three of these centers’ games is that blocks are what drives their values, not necessarily defensive positioning. The gap between Jordan and Hibbert is how the team is molded. The Philadelphia 76ers are still not into a fully formed state, but it could make or break Noel’s career.

Next: What Are The Sixers Looking To Trade For?

The Philadelphia 76ers have plenty of young prospects to pick and choose from, and have even more coming on the way. The best case comparisons of these players are what the Philadelphia 76ers hope to either see their prospects exceed or match, as the long rebuild process will turn dirt into gold. On the other hand, their could be major negatives that face the Philadelphia 76ers and their players, putting this whole rebuild plan once again into question.