What Big Men Should the Indiana Pacers Be Targeting As the Trade Deadline Approaches?
Nerlens Noel
The former Kentucky Wildcat standout is absolutely up for grabs. But, which Philadelphia 76ers big man not named Joel Embiid is safe in the city of brotherly love?
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But, which Philadelphia 76ers big man not named Joel Embiid is safe in the city of brotherly love? With that being said, the Indiana Pacers must pursue Nerlens Noel. Noel is averaging a season-low 18.7 minutes per game and putting up averages of 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. These averages are all careers lows, and that can be attributed to the overload of big men in Philly.
He is lost in the shuffle with coach Brett Brown giving minutes to Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Ersan Ilyasova, Dario Saric and Richaun Holmes, and it is time for Noel to get out of town. The Indiana Pacers can offer exactly what Noel needs to rejuvenate his young career. He can also give Indiana exactly what they need to rejuvenate their team.
Nerlens is long, energetic, athletic and ready to prove himself amidst the recent adversity he has faced in Philadelphia. Pacers fans can only hope that the seemingly inevitable trade of Jahlil Okafor does not carve out more minutes or a new role for Noel, and he remains open for trade. Nerlens should be a top priority in Indy as the deadline looms.
If a trade is executed, the Pacers’ team and Noel’s career would undoubtedly be better for it.