Colangelo understands Noel's frustrations with crowded frontcourt

In a perfect world, the Philadelphia 76ers would move one of their three centers in Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid to strengthen another position on the roster - a plan new general manager Bryan Colangelo hinted at earlier in September.

While a trade may be forthcoming, the 76ers will head into training camp with all three of the aforementioned bigs, and Noel isn't a fan. "I think it's just silly," the 22-year-old said of the situation recently.

Colangelo empathized with the former Kentucky Wildcat on Monday.

"It's understandable. I think Nerlens did a pretty good job sizing up what we had," Colangelo said during 76ers Media Day on Monday, according to beat writer Tom Moore.

"I don't know if I was affected at all by Nerlens' comments or the players were affected at all. Anybody who's been (through) the last (three) years deserves some empathy, the fans included."

The biggest question mark remains the long-term status of Joel Embiid, who's been sidelined the past two seasons following setbacks stemming from surgery on his broken foot.

"Joel Embiid has yet to play an NBA game. There may be a limitation on minutes. It's a step for him and others," Colangelo added.

Philly's president of basketball operations also wouldn't lay down expectations on the 7-footer considering he hasn't even made his debut yet, but did say it's highly unlikely Embiid will be suiting up for games on back-to-back nights.