Report: Sixers And Hawks Discussing Nerlens Noel For Jeff Teague Swap
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When the Sixers won the number one overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, one thing was clear:
Their log-jam in the front-court was about to get even more crowded. The presumptive top pick is Ben Simmons, who could potentially join a big man group that includes Joel Embiid (if healthy), Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. That group could also include overseas import Dario Saric.
The situation has prompted trade rumors for both Okafor and Noel. On Thursday, a report indicated that the Sixers and Hawks are discussing a trade that will send Jeff Teague to Philadelphia in exchange for Noel.
It is clear that the Sixers have a lot of talent in the front-court and they need major help in the back-court. That is where Teague will come in, assuming the role as the team's new starting point guard.
Teague, 27, was an All-Star in 2015. Last season, he averaged 15.7 points and 5.9 assists per game. He shot 43.0 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Noel has established himself as one of the better rim protectors in the NBA and is regarded as having the potential to be a serious difference maker for a team on the defensive end. Noel averaged 11.1 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Last season was less about progress and more about fitting a square peg in a round hole by playing alongside Okafor.
It appears that the Sixers, and new General Manager Bryan Colangelo, are committed to adding guard talent and if that means they have to part with one of their young talented big men, they'll do that.
The Sixers also own the 24th and 26th picks in the first round of this year's draft. With that and plenty of young bigs, the Sixers have ammunition to add to their back court immediately.
