NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers Keeping Jahlil Okafor And Nerlens Noel But Both Need More Playing Time, Joel Embiid Team's Strongest Defense?

Philadelphia 76ers have a surplus of big men and according to reports, the team is trading either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor. However, despite the number of teams in the NBA league showing interest to both players, Noel and Okafor are still stuck with the Sixers. According to new reports, both players need to earn their minutes in the upcoming NBA season.

Things will be tough for the players in the Philadelphia 76ers, especially for Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. Both players play the center position and when they are on the court together one has to play out of position.

Aside from the two, there is Joel Embiid who plays the same position. Sixers have a congested center position. Due to this, many are wondering how Brett Brown will distribute the minutes among his big men.

Brett Brown told CSNPHILLY that the environment in Philly this NBA season would be tough. He will reward the most competitive players. Thus, each player has to earn his minutes.

Brown is encouraging the players to be in their best shape because if they give their best, the team will recognize it and they will help the player. As for Nerlens Noel, the coach referred to the player as a "modern-day five- man" due to his great defense skills, ability to run the floor, connect on lobs, block shot and pick-and-roll. However, he hopes that Noel will improve his free throw shooting.

Meanwhile, Jahlil Okafor is working out to improve his physique. Okafor just recovered from his right knee surgery but he is expected to be ready for the training camp.

Brown reveals that Jahlil Okafor got a six pack and is transforming his body. He added that basketball is a career-best fitness stuff and it is necessary that one is in his best shape.

It looks like Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel have already shown their competitive side. However, per SB Nation, Brett Brown is rooting for Joel Embiid for Sixers crown defense. In fact, he reportedly called Embiid the "Crown Jewel" of Sixers' defense.

Brown: "He (Embiid) needs to be the crown jewel, the centerpiece, of our defense." #sixers

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 15, 2016

How do you feel about Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor competing for their minutes in the upcoming NBA season? Do you agree with Brown that Joel Embiid is the team's best defense? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.