The Philadephia 76ers used to be playoff team during the Allen Iverson Era. But after Iverson left the team, the Sixers struggled. They haven't reached the playoffs in 4 consecutive years. And over the past 4 seasons, they have a combined win-loss record of 81-247.
And this season, it looks like they will not make it to the playoffs once again. At 4-14 win-loss record, the Sixers are the worst team in the Eastern Conference and second worst in the entire league. They are now lost in 4 consecutive games.
Although struggling, one of the positive things about the Sixers is the emergence of rising star Joel Embiid. In his 12 games with the Sixers this season, he is averaging 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 22.4 minutes of action. And Embiid has just named as the NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November, as per NBA.com.
But because of the Sixers' struggles, one of their main players is involved in a trade rumor talk. According to Blazer's Edge, the Portland Trailblazers are showing some interest to acquire Nerlens Noel. And in exchange, the Blazers could give Allen Crabbe to the Sixers.
The Blazers have two of the most dynamic backcourt duos in the NBA in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Lillard is averaging 28.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 47% shooting from the field and 88.9% from the free-throw line. McCollum on the other hand, is averaging 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 44% shooting from threes and 91.4% from the free-throw line.
But as good as those two on the court, the Blazers are just barely hanging at the top 8 in the West. With a 10-10 record, the Blazers are currently tied at 8th spot with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference. What the Blazers need is a big man who could dominate the paint.
If Noel will play for the Blazers, that problem will be solve. Noel is a defensive guy who could guard the paint at all cost. He is also a capable scorer inside the rim and can grab rebounds too. With Noel on the lineup, the Blazers will be a much more improve team.
Noel hasn't played a single game for the Sixers this season because of injuries. But reports says that he is close to returning. And according to ESPN, Noel wants out of the Sixers' lineup because of the battle for minutes about the team's big men.
Will Nerlens Noel team up with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum in Portland Trailblazers? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
