The Philadelphia 76ers may diverge from the process former GM Sam Hinkie put in place.
According to Marc Stein and Chad Ford of ESPN.com, the Philadelphia 76ers are exploring trades for former lottery Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
76ers to explore trading Jahlil Okafor & Nerlens Noel, sources tell @ESPNSteinLine & @chadfordinsider. pic.twitter.com/00J2ahLBgG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 27, 2016
It would be a ballsy move by the organization to trade Okafor and Noel. Okafor was the third overall pick in 2015. He struggled in his rookie season as the 76ers counted on him too much on the offensive end while he looked completely lost on the defensive end. The 20-year-old appeared in 53 games and averaged 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
Noel was the sixth overall selection in 2013, and was acquired by the Sixers from the New Orleans Pelicans on draft day. The 22-year-old had a much better sophomore season in Philly, averaging 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He also increased his field goal percentage from 46% to 52%. He’s an excellent defensive player, whose offensive game is rising, but still a work in progress.
The two players are opposites. With prized center Joel Embiid returning from an injury next season, the Sixers are set to be crowded at the center position.
Noel and Embiid symbolized hope and the future of the 76ers tankapalooza. New Philadelphia general manager Bryan Colangelo might want to establish his own team identity, and shedding Okafor and Noel, both of whom would bring in assumably strong returns, might be his first move.
Colangelo wants the 76ers to win, and trading Okafor and Noel for players who fit better might help him get there.
