PHILADELPHIA — The Detroit Pistons’ visit to the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday to take on the Philadelphia 76ers marked a reunion of two close friends: Philadelphia star Joel Embiid and Detroit big man Nerlens Noel.
Noel began his career with the Sixers. He and Embiid were together for 2.5 seasons before Philadelphia traded Noel to the Dallas Mavericks.
The No. 6 pick in the 2013 NBA draft, Noel helped Embiid through injuries and gave him pointers to help him succeed. As he made his return to Philadelphia on Tuesday, he reminisced on his time with the franchise.
“Philadelphia is like a second home to me,” said Noel. “I got a lot of memories here. A lot of relationships from Joel, especially. Having him come in and helping him learn a couple of early-on things when he was a rookie being a year or two after him. I took a lot of pride in that and helping him build the foundation that he has today.”
Noel drew the start on Tuesday with Detroit being down both Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. He was assigned to guard Embiid. He got to the big fella a bit early with a steal, but Embiid ended up going for 36 points and 11 rebounds in the win for the Sixers.
“It was good,” Embiid said afterward of facing Noel. “That’s my guy. Obviously, a lot of good years with him. It’s good playing against him. He got me a few times with him reaching, so I was kind of pissed about it because that’s really all he does defensively, but I’m just glad to him get minutes.”
Embiid is obviously a much different player than when Noel was in Philadelphia. He has catapulted himself into the MVP conversations on a regular basis.
“I would just think his approach to the game,” Noel said of what’s different with Embiid. “His level of maturity from year one to year even two, three. Every year I’ve seen he’s just taking great steps because his talent was obviously always there, but he’s become just a leader. Beyond a leader. Someone that gives himself and his body, his everything to the team.”
Noel also believes Embiid should get more MVP love.
“I don’t know why he’s not higher up there in the MVP votes,” he added. “Somehow the media doesn’t show enough love, but you can see it every time he’s out there. He gives his all.”
At the end of the day, Noel has been able to carve out a nice career in the league and he is thankful for his time with Embiid and the Sixers.
“He’s a great player,” he finished. “Hall of Fame future and the whole coaching staff front office, everybody. I got great relationships and I valued my time here a lot.”
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