Nerlens Noel on Everett roots, his love of KG and dealing with trade rumors

The road to opportunity in the NBA has been a bumpy one for Everett native Nerlens Noel. After a strong first two NBA seasons, the 23-year-old escaped a frontcourt logjam in Philadelphia thanks to a trade to the Dallas Mavericks back in February.

After signing with the Mavericks as a restricted free agent this past summer on a one-year deal, Noel gambled he would be able to improve his value around the league with a strong showing in Texas. However, the 6-foot-11 forward/center has been limited by inconsistent playing time and injuries. He recently had thumb surgery that will sidelined him until at least next month. With rumors swirling about his future, Boston Sports Journal caught up with the local standout earlier this month to discuss his New England roots and much more.

What was it like for you grow to grow up here in the Boston-area?  

It was amazing. It gave me a certain type of toughness and tenacity that I use in everyday life. You don't settle for nothing, you always have that Boston Strong mentality, especially bring from such a Boston sports city. Growing up, I was Boston everything. Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, even Bruins, and I don't like hockey. You knew how serious it was and I really took a lot of pride in everything I did. It's such a prideful city that it runs through me to this day.

What stood out to you about those days growing up in Malden and playing for Everett High School? Did you play a lot of neighborhood games?

We'd play football in Devens School. We'd play at night, 10, 11 o'clock, 12 years old on the street playing until midnight with 10, 12 people. We'd do all types of things as young boys, especially in the city. Kids are just learning the way of life and sticking to something. Basketball was my niche. I'd go to the rec center, play in all the leagues up there and all the youth basketball, AAU, everything.

What was your most vivid sports youth memory from playing around here?

City championship at the elementary school in the city. It was against the Madeline English. I was supposed to go to that school but my mom didn't want me to for some reason. I was begging her. Then in eighth grade, we ended up playing them and we beat them. I beat them by myself because they had all the good players. That was definitely a good point in my life because I didn't go to that school and then I beat them. I thought I was the man in my city.

What was the transition like for you to the Tilton School in New Hampshire? Was it tough to leave your friends and family to move out of state?

It was definitely tough, but I knew what I had to do for my future and long-term interests. It was important to get into a place like Tilton. It was isolated so I was able to focus on the things I needed to. I knew what I had to do. It was tough that a lot of people were disappointed but that was in my interest. I had to do what I had to do.

What was your favorite Boston team growing up?

I'd have to say the Patriots. (whispers, I can't say Celtics in here). Patriots were my favorite New England team growing up. Celtics were second. I loved all the teams though. I was just a Boston kid.

Who was your favorite athlete?

KG, for sure. He's definitely my favorite player all-time for real, but when he came to Boston, it got real.

What was your favorite game to go to as a fan?

I never went to a Celtics game. I went to a Pats game. I'm not sure how I went there and not a Celtics game.

What was  your favorite local venue to play a game at or attend?

Springfield Hall of Fame was pretty cool. The main gym was a pretty cool place to play in AAU. I didn't make it here for the state tournament my freshman year. We lost to Central Catholic. We got to the Semifinals at the GBL. They don't call it that anymore. I also liked Basketball City. It's a pretty notorious place.

What do you miss most about living in New England?

Just my close friends that I grow up with and just how much I went through in this city and how much I grew. All the people and the spirit here. The spirit and tenacity and everything you see here on a day-to-day basis.

It's been a tough few years for you with injuries, dealing with trade rumors and the frontcourt situation in Philly. Has it been easier with the support and respect you still get back here?

Oh yeah. A lot of respect, through times. They really have been a lot of people back here that appreciate what I do, believe in me and want my services. It's cool. It's good to see in the Garden the support I still have. It means a lot.