Nerlens Noel talked Joel Embiid MVP chances, time with the Sixers when he returned to Philly with the Pistons last night
The Pistons got absolutely destroyed last night at The Well, losing to The Sixers 146-116.
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Nerlens Noel returned to South Philadelphia and caught up with the media about starting his career in Philadelphia and his relationship with Joel Embiid.
Noel was drafted sixth overall by the Sixers in the 2016 NBA Draft and was a teammate of Embiid for 2.5 years before getting dealt to the Dallas Mavericks. Last night, Embiid destroyed Noel, dropping 36 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action during the blowout win for the Sixers. Noel scored just five points on 2-of-5 shooting from the floor in the loss.
Nerlens Noel on his time in Philly via SixersWire
“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.”
Joel Embiid on Nerlens Noel via SixersWire
“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.”
Nerlens Noel on Embiid’s Game, MVP Chances via SixersWire
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
