eagereyez wrote:TTP wrote:eagereyez wrote:Giving $20M to a backup is a terrible idea. That's $20M that can go to a PG/SG/SF, all of which are much bigger needs than a backup C. I wouldn't mind re-signing Noel and keeping him around for 1 more year, but once Embiid's extension kicks in he has to go. He's just not a long-term player so long as Embiid stays healthy.
He might not be a backup if he can co-exist with Embiid though. I'm not eliminating the possibility that they can share the floor together for significant amounts of time.
Noel showed enough last season to indicate that he is competent defensively at PF, but he's just not the same historically great defender that we see when he plays C. Neither he nor Embiid should waste their time on the perimeter away from the rim and the rebounds. Not to mention this also turns Simmons into a SF, which negates the huge mismatches he creates at PF. The money needs to be spent on players who complement each other, not players who negate each other's biggest strengths.
Well part of the reason why the experiment horrible failed was that Okafor was "anchoring" the rim and Noel was camping at the perimeter. Noel wasn't bad at defending at the 4, it was Okafor who miserable failed to defend the 4. With Embiid and Noel you either way have a big close to the rim and both of them have the lateral quickness to provide help defense and not get completely lost on the perimeter.
I agree that Simmons should not spend any minutes at the three with Embiid and Noel on the floor. But with proper minute management it can be done, I assume that Embiid won't play more than 32 MPG in the nearby future:
Embiid, 32 minutes at center
Noel, 16 minutes at center, 10 minutes at power forward
Simmons, 18 minutes at power forward, 20 minutes at small forward
Saric, 20 minutes at power forward
Embiid and Noel (10 minutes):
Defensively Noel at the 4 and Embiid at the 5. Noels biggest weakness of not being able to handle heavy and post oriented centers can be counteracted. Offensively Noel setting screens and rolling out of the P&R and playing from the high post in possible high-low situations, comparable to Andrew Bogut's playing style. Embiid stretching defense if Noel's rolling and lurking for cuts since Noel's a very decent passer.
Embiid/Noel and Simmons (28 minutes):
Simmons playing P&R with these bigs should be extremely fun since they're such a huge target as they're rolling to the basket. Better spacing with Embiid since he can stretch the floor and is a potential pick and pop option, Noel is the better rim roller with his timing and athleticism.
Embiid, Saric and Simmons (20 minutes):
Just like the previous option, only with more length. Simmons has to defend the opposing small forward and Saric stretch the floor on the offensive end.
I agree with TTP that Noel should be resigned if it's not killing our cap flexibility in the future, I'm going to take a look at our financial situation later and post my verdict. Trade Okafor and use Holmes as 3rd big behind Embiid and Noel. Problem solved.
)/Bayless/2017 PHI 2nd
