Jim Boeheim thinks Philadelphia may have had 'all-time great' draft with Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel

michael carter-williams with david stern.jpg

(AP)

Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim thinks new Philadelphia 76ers GM Sam Hinkie is on to something after watching who the 76ers added in last night's NBA Draft, including his former player Michael Carter-Williams.

"I think Philadelphia's new general manager might have made of the great drafts of all-time because I like Nerlens Noel," Boeheim said on ESPN Radio today.

"He is a competitive guy. Really plays hard. Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel are friends from ninth grade. I think it is a great combination. I think that you have a chance, in my mind, of having two great players here. It's not a sure thing. Obviously there are some question marks about both players. But if those question marks are answered, I think you could have two great players here."

Boeheim recruited Noel to come to Syracuse before he eventually chose Kentucky to play his one year of college basketball, which was cut short by an ACL injury.

As far as MCW's future in Philly, Boeheim sees things going well, despite his perceived shooting flaws.

"I think his form is good, so his shooting will improve as most NBA players' shooting improves as they go along," Boeheim said.

"People forget that Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen weren't good shooters when they went in the NBA and became really good shooters. In Jordan's case, a great shooter. I think that can be worked on.

"I think he needs to get stronger, which he will. He only weighed 188 pounds this year but was still very good and physical. He is an unusual and, I think, unique guard in that, how many point guards have we seen who were 6-6 that were also quick, fast, good passers, good defenders. I have tried to think of guys like him. There aren't many."

The full interview with Boeheim on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (with guest host Ian 'OConnor) can be heard right here.

Brent Axe
baxe@syracuse.com

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