VIDEO: Nerlens Noel has 3 nasty blocks in 2nd preseason outing

Nerlens Noel's preseason debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday was a largely underwhelming affair. The rookie center is apparently a quick study, though, because he turned in an impressive performance in his second outing on Wednesday.

Noel may never be a go-to interior scorer, but he has the makings of a solid pick-and-roll threat and has flashed a jumper out to the free-throw line. On Wednesday versus the Hornets, he showed strong awareness underneath the basket and a deft touch at the rim. He shot just 5-of-13 overall, for 10 points, but also added three dimes, an unexpected bonus.

But Noel's immense potential comes largely from his upside on the defensive end of the floor. The Kentucky product is incredibly long, has a quick second jump, and appears to have a good instinct for timing his block attempts.

To wit, on Wednesday he had three emphatic blocks and caused chaos for the Hornets on several other possessions:

It will at times be a trying season for Noel and the 76ers, but that's kind of the point given where Philadelphia sits on the rebuilding curve. Noel is going to get opportunities to improve, and three-block nights are probably going to be commonplace as a result.