my not-so-popular impression of last night's game

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

[PhoSita]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

[MBunge]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

[Evantime34]

Through 3 games, I wish Zeller, and Lee were completely removed from the rotation.

[Jailan34]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

Don't think you're giving Noel enough credit. He can average 8-12 points easily off of offensive rebounds, pick and rolls and a few hook shots. His hook shot is more developed than people give him credit for.

[crimson_stallion]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

Not really...

You might argue that he's a more valuable player because of what he offers (debatable) but he is not 'better'. 

Noel struggles to score 10 PPG on a Philly team that (last year and this year) has been notoriously one of the worst in the history of the NBA.

He and Okafor are really the only guys who you could argue are starting caliber players on that team.  The others are guys who would be bench players on any other team, but get productive numbers on the Sixers squad by default.

For example if you put Marcus Thornton (the vet one, not the rookie one) in Philly and give him 30 minutes a game, he'd probably average pretty close to 20 PPG.  But on any playoff caliber team he's a sixth man at best. Even Amir Johnson (not ok nown for his offense) would I think average 18 PPG - 20 PPG if he were playing 30+ minutes a night in Philly.

The fact that Noel struggles to average 10 PPG (and doesn't shoot overwhelmingly efficient numbers at the same time) just goes to show how underwhelming an offensive player he is.

Noel has future DPOTY potential, that's how good his defense is.  But he doesn't really have a whole lot going for him beyond that.  Not much of a passer, scorer, and even his rebounding is a little underwhelming given his physical attributes.

[crimson_stallion]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

Don't think you're giving Noel enough credit. He can average 8-12 points easily off of offensive rebounds, pick and rolls and a few hook shots. His hook shot is more developed than people give him credit for.

Yeah, as I always say - he's basically Tyson Chandler on the offensive end.

About 90% of his offensive game is going to be composed of put-backs off offensive rebounds, and dunks. 

As Noel develops I don't think he's going to necessarily be a liability on offense - I just don't think he's going to give you much on offense.   When he's on the floor you're going to need to pair him with a PF who is a bit of an offensive wiz, and one who can step out and hid the midrange jumper (preferably the three).

Noel would be a great fit, for example, with somebody like Kevin Love or Chris Bosh. 

He himself though is really going to be anything more than a garbage guy on offense.

Smart has the potential to be an elite defensive player AND a plus offensive player.  I think his upside is significantly higher than Noel's, even if Noel may look like the more marketable player right now.     

I think people underestimate how positive an impact Smart has on this team already.  One thing about him that is greatly underrated is that he is a PG who rarely turns the ball over.  So far this season he's averaging only 0.7 TO in 33 minutes a night.  Factor in his 3.7 assists per game, and you have an Ast:TO rate of 5.3 which is elite.

You can't underestimate the value of a PG who doesn't make mistakes.

In fact Bradley and Smart combined have only averaged 2.7 turnovers over the first 3 games.  That's great to have from your back court, especially when they play the type of defense these guys do for 30+ minutes a game.

When playing against dominate transition finishers like Lebron, having a backcourt that doesn't turn the ball over is huge. 

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

Which doesn't matter when you draw a ton of a attention as a roll man, make FTs at a rate that prevents the hack-a-whoever strategy, and are one of the best defensive Centers in the NBA...

Not to mention Noel basically has played on a team with terrible PGs and no spacing for at least 2/3 of his games. You put him with a decent PG and a team full of shooters and he'd do damage.

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

Not really...

You might argue that he's a more valuable player because of what he offers (debatable) but he is not 'better'. 

Noel struggles to score 10 PPG on a Philly team that (last year and this year) has been notoriously one of the worst in the history of the NBA.

He and Okafor are really the only guys who you could argue are starting caliber players on that team.  The others are guys who would be bench players on any other team, but get productive numbers on the Sixers squad by default.

For example if you put Marcus Thornton (the vet one, not the rookie one) in Philly and give him 30 minutes a game, he'd probably average pretty close to 20 PPG.  But on any playoff caliber team he's a sixth man at best. Even Amir Johnson (not ok nown for his offense) would I think average 18 PPG - 20 PPG if he were playing 30+ minutes a night in Philly.

The fact that Noel struggles to average 10 PPG (and doesn't shoot overwhelmingly efficient numbers at the same time) just goes to show how underwhelming an offensive player he is.

Noel has future DPOTY potential, that's how good his defense is.  But he doesn't really have a whole lot going for him beyond that.  Not much of a passer, scorer, and even his rebounding is a little underwhelming given his physical attributes.

You can hide a limited offensive center way more than a bad offensive guard. Tony Allen was ignored off the floor in the playoffs last year.

Noel right now easily slots into a contenders rotation. I'm not sure Smart does because of his offense... He just doesn't really have a plus offensive skill. Noel isn't a great offensive player, but he was great at the rim (66%).

[MBunge]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

Don't think you're giving Noel enough credit. He can average 8-12 points easily off of offensive rebounds, pick and rolls and a few hook shots. His hook shot is more developed than people give him credit for.

Deandre Jordan has never averaged 12 points a game and only averaged 10 or more in two seasons, and those two seasons were with Paul and Griffin.  If Noel tried to score like that with this Philly team, he'd average 3 points a game.

Mike

[MBunge]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

I'd agree, but only because big men who can anchor a defense are naturally more valuable than guards who can defend really well.

I think Smart's definitely a better offensive player right now, and his turnover-forcing ability is impressive.  He's also a leader on the floor at a young age, which is really impressive.

Smart reminds me of Billups in that sense.

Smart's offensive upside is way higher. Heck, his overall upside might be higher because of that.

But Nerlens Noel is an excellent defensive center and finishes around the rim at elite levels. His offensive woes are vastly overstated by people who don't seem to understand that if Brett Brown told him to only take DeAndre Jordan type shots he'd probably shoot 60%.

And he'd be averaging about 3 points a game.

The Noel/Jordan comparison can be instructive.  Jordan is currently on a team with two significantly better players and probably plays an even more limited role than Perk does.  Jordan is extremely effective at a few things but if you put him on a bad team, I'm not sure he'd make them a bit better.

Mike

Which doesn't matter when you draw a ton of a attention as a roll man, make FTs at a rate that prevents the hack-a-whoever strategy, and are one of the best defensive Centers in the NBA...

Not to mention Noel basically has played on a team with terrible PGs and no spacing for at least 2/3 of his games. You put him with a decent PG and a team full of shooters and he'd do damage.

And if you put Smart on a team with a decent center and shooters, he'd be a beast.

Mike

[MBunge]

Yes Noel and Okafor are both better individual prospects than any player we have

Nerlens Noel is not a better NBA player than Marcus Smart.

Uhhhh, yeah he definitely is.

Not really...

You might argue that he's a more valuable player because of what he offers (debatable) but he is not 'better'. 

Noel struggles to score 10 PPG on a Philly team that (last year and this year) has been notoriously one of the worst in the history of the NBA.

He and Okafor are really the only guys who you could argue are starting caliber players on that team.  The others are guys who would be bench players on any other team, but get productive numbers on the Sixers squad by default.

For example if you put Marcus Thornton (the vet one, not the rookie one) in Philly and give him 30 minutes a game, he'd probably average pretty close to 20 PPG.  But on any playoff caliber team he's a sixth man at best. Even Amir Johnson (not ok nown for his offense) would I think average 18 PPG - 20 PPG if he were playing 30+ minutes a night in Philly.

The fact that Noel struggles to average 10 PPG (and doesn't shoot overwhelmingly efficient numbers at the same time) just goes to show how underwhelming an offensive player he is.

Noel has future DPOTY potential, that's how good his defense is.  But he doesn't really have a whole lot going for him beyond that.  Not much of a passer, scorer, and even his rebounding is a little underwhelming given his physical attributes.

You can hide a limited offensive center way more than a bad offensive guard. Tony Allen was ignored off the floor in the playoffs last year.

Noel right now easily slots into a contenders rotation.

If you mean 10 to 15 minutes, sure.  But what contender would start Noel over who they have now?

Spurs - no.
Clippers - no.
Rockets -no.
Bulls - no.
Cavs - no. 
Warriors - no.
Thunder - maybe, but he wouldn't play more than 20 minutes a game between Ennes and going small with Ibaka.

Mike