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Dallas Mavericks: Why 76ers Fans Shouldn’t Hate the Trade

By Kohl Rast

Feb 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Justin Anderson (1) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks landed a great trade just hours before the deadline this last week. Landing Nerlens Noel was something the Mavs needed, but the price was something we didn’t want either.

The Dallas Mavericks went into the NBA Trade Deadline expecting to make a move or maybe even two. Deron Williams, Andrew Bogut, and even Devin Harris had been rumored to be on the market, with trade calls reportedly coming from all over the league.

Now, just days after the trades were all said and done, Mavericks fans are still a little shocked at exactly what happened. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Mavs had reportedly been in talks about Jahlil Okafor, then all of a sudden, Nerlens Noel was a Maverick. And even crazier, the Mavericks gave away a player that they thought really highly of, despite a dip in playing time.

Feb 25, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel (3) argues a call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Pelicans 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel (3) argues a call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Pelicans 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Anderson was very well respected in the Dallas Mavericks organization and someone who was supposed to be a big part of the future of the team. After working his way into the rotation towards the end of last year, Anderson found himself towards the end of the bench for the majority of this season.

Even still, the Mavs were sad to see him go. And yet, 76ers fans are so upset, they haven’t had a chance to really even analyze what they gained in this trade. Aside from making a move to clear up the logjam that is the center position in Philadelphia, the Sixers gained a talented wing in the process.

Not only does Simba have a great nickname, he also has great potential as a 3 and D guy down the road. A career +40% 3-point shooter during his time at the University of Virginia, his numbers have not translated to the NBA just yet. He has plenty of chance to become great though.

Just take a look at some of the things he is capable of.

It is true that Nerlens Noel has proven a little bit more so far in his NBA career. However, Sixers fans need to understand that they should not be considered losers in this trade by any means. Both teams got something that they really needed from this exchange of players.

Mavs fans, be happy that we have a young center to mold and develop. Sixers fans, be glad you got a young wing with mountains of potential, just looking for a new place to thrive. If you ask me, these trades were equally beneficial for both teams. Enjoy Simba, Philly. We will miss him.

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