Noel is first-team center in practice

Nerlens Noel remained as the first-unit center Tuesday when the 76ers returned to practice.

In a 104-93 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday, Noel slid from the power forward position to starting center because Henry Sims had an upper respiratory infection.

Sims was healthy Tuesday, but he ran with the second unit during the team's practice in front of the troops at the McGuire Fitness Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

"I'm personally in a mode where we can experiment with some things," coach Brett Brown said. "You know my desire to play Nerlens at [power forward] to help him grow some with [sidelined rookie center] Joel [Embiid]. And Henry is a great complement where they can do that together."

However, Noel has a center's background.

His primary assignment in transition defense Monday was getting back and finding the opposing center on the block. As an NBA power forward, he also has to be aware of opponents' positioning themselves in the perimeter.

"Everybody kind of saw it [Monday] night," Brown said, "and we saw it against Miami: Nerlens in trail when you have [forwards] who can shoot threes and a team in general that shoots threes. It's a challenge and learning curve for him."

In the meantime, Noel will play power forward and center. Brown said he hasn't decided on a starting lineup for Wednesday against the Orlando Magic at the Wells Fargo Center.

He acknowledged that Sims could move to the second unit if Noel starts at center. Brown was asked if Brandon Davies would start at power forward in that situation.

"I don't know," he said. "But what I do know is I don't feel a prisoner to anything. I don't. It's not a knock on these guys.

"It's not like if I did do that, I'm scolding Henry. It's nothing to do with that. Henry is playing his tail off. I love Henry's professionalism and grumpiness and competitiveness and toughness. I like that side of him."

Sims is averaging seven points and five rebounds through four games. Noel is averaging eight points, 6.5 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

Noel, a slender 6-foot-11 rookie who sat out last season after knee surgery, admitted to being more relaxed starting at center against the Rockets. He finished with 10 points, 6 steals, 5 assists, and 1 rebound.

"Yeah, I just find Dwight [Howard], and I know he ain't pulling up with no threes," Noel said of the Rockets center. "I just find him on the block and just make sure I take care of him and try to keep him off the boards."

He added that playing power forward is a learning process for him.

The Sixers kicked off their "Stars & Stripes" military appreciation program with Tuesday's practice in front of the troops. The Sixers posed for photos and signed autographs afterward.

The team will honor members of the military Friday against Chicago.

"Personally, I love it and I believe my players understand completely the responsibility that you have [in the service]," Brown said. "We generally are able to do what we do because of what they do."