By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers lost by 15 to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and because of Joel Embiid getting in foul trouble in the third, Nerlens Noel got some playing time after being removed from the rotation on Sunday for the foreseeable future. As he headed to the mid-court sideline, fans began to rise and the fourth-year center received a loud ovation when he checked into the game.
Nerlens Noel gets a very warm welcome as he checks into the game for the first time. #SixersTalk pic.twitter.com/Wtg7B2WlwA
— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) December 21, 2016
"I just really want to thank the fans for all their support of me through thick and thin this whole process and these last four years period," Noel said following Tuesday's game. "That meant a lot to me and it's something I'm very appreciative of."
Noel played just under seven minutes in the third quarter, scoring four points on 2-for-2 shooting while also grabbing three boards in limited action.
"I got the chills and then I was right back in it," Noel mentioned after he got settled in on the court. "I definitely felt the fans' presence when I entered the game and they got me going, especially and knocked off all those little nerves of just sitting most of the game. I was able to go in there and do my thing. Like I said, I just love the fans."
Brett Brown was asked about Nerlens' time on the court and felt he did okay. They were exchanging hand signals from the sidelines, a clear indicator that he hasn't necessarily been around the team long enough to really grasp the new plays, offense and defensive sets.
"It's very challenging," said Brown regarding Noel's play. "He and I were sending hand signals on the court, him trying to figure out what we're doing. He just hasn't been around. Trying to figure stuff out with the offense and where he should be. But I thought he looked okay. I give him credit."
While it's unknown how long Noel will remain outside the rotation as the team continues to explore the Embiid and Jahlil Okafor pairing, the teams' rookie phenom loved the reaction from the crowd once Noel entered the game and he expressed his desire to eventually take the court alongside his best friend.
"I loved it. He's my best friend on the team and I was really happy for him," said Embiid. "I also want to get on the court and see what we can look like together, because I like him and I want to play with everybody. I feel like if we are trying something, we should try the other thing too. So hopefully in the future they do that.
Check out Joel's full post-game media availability here on his 11-point effort and Noel's playing time:
