Nerlens Noel
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 22 (4/10/1994)
Experience: 3rd Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .581/.000/.615
2016-17 Season Averages: 11.6 MPG, 6.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.1 ORPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Nerlens Noel is relatively unproven as an NBA player, but the signs of defensive brilliance have been clear. He’s an athletic big man with the range, instincts as a shot-blocker, and active hands to make an instant impact on defense.
It’d be hard to justify the New York Knicks building a defensive interior with a pair of thin big men, but it’d be ignorant to pretend Noel isn’t available.
Colangelo on Noel: "He is a young, talented prospect that we are trying to determine whether or not he’s a fit for this roster."
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 19, 2016
Noel has been one of the most commonly referenced names in trade rumors for close to a year. It started with mere speculation after the Philadelphia 76ers selected four players at the same two positions with lottery picks: Joel Embiid, Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Dario Saric.
The rumors grew stronger as the 2016-17 NBA regular season neared. They remain persistent as the trade deadline approaches.
As for what Noel brings to the table, he boasts career averages of 6.8 defensive rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes. Those averages alone lend credence to the belief that he can put his 7’4″ wingspan to use as a defensive anchor.
Noel may not be worth the asking price, nor the player whom the Knicks need at power forward or center, but his upside shouldn’t be entirely disregarded.