I don't get it.
What's the fascination on this board with Noel and Embiid?
I don't get it either to be honest...
Nerlens Noel's Per-36 first year stats:
11.6 Points, 9.5 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2.1 Steals, 2.2 Blocks, 3.2 Turnovers, 46.2% FG, 60.9% FT
Javale McGee's Per-36 first year stats:
15.4 Points, 9.3 Rebounds, 0.7 Assists, 1 Steal, 2.4 Blocks, 1.9 Turnovers, 49.4% FG, 66% FT
This might not be fair, but I'm just pointing this out because:
1) Both guys are extremely athletic, super long, lanky framed 7 footers
2) Both guys are excellent shot blockers
3) Both guys have been described as having 'questionable' basketball IQ on the offensive end
Most people here were practically throwing up in disgust when Danny was talking about trying to sign McGee...not saying that I think Noel will grow to rival McGee as a Shaqtin-a-fool champion, but there are some similarities there and I think they are fairly similar players in terms of skill set. Admittedly though, Noel does seem to have a far superior work ethic.
I can see why people like Noel because of of the fact that he is a long, athletic rim protector with many years ahead of him, so when it comes to the interest in him as a prospect I totally understand.
But a lot of people around the league have been talking about him in terms of how good he is right now, and I just don't see that. He's averaged 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks while playing pretty major minutes on one of the worst teams in recently history. Solid rookie numbers and the potential is unquestionable, but it's not like he's been mind blowing good.
On the plus side, I actually think Noel may end up having a better and longer career then Embiid.
Noel just seems like the type of guy who knows what he's he does well, and plays within himself. He's an excellent rebounder and paint protector, and he seems to have a strong work ethic, and guys like that tend to have long and effective careers in the NBA.
Embiid on the other end strikes me a little as the big man equivalent of Evan Turner - he just seems to me like he's going to be the type who wants to prove to the world that he's the next big superstar, and try to fancy things up all the the time instead of making the simple play. I can see him trying too often to play outside of his abilities, constantly turning the ball over (trying to spin baseline and stepping out, bouncing off his foot, throwing dangerous passes in traffic, getting overwhelmed by double teams and getting the ball stolen, etc) and frustrating the hell out of his coaches. I can kinda see him being the Evan Turner / Gilbert Arenas of big men.
I guess we will find out next season.