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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Nerlens Noel

By Paul Centopani

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 30: Nerlens Noel
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 30: Nerlens Noel /
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DALLAS, TX – APRIL 7: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the game on April 7, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – APRIL 7: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the game on April 7, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. San Antonio Spurs

Speaking of coaches who get the most out of their players, Gregg Popovich is synonymous with doing more with less. This Spurs team is light on talent, so bringing in a player like Noel – only four years removed from being selected sixth overall and making the All-Rookie First Team – would give them a cheap dice roll to help that sector.

Noel, 24, would also help them get younger. San Antonio was the second-oldest team in the NBA after the past trade deadline and need an injection of youth.

They’re set to face a major transitional time for the franchise with Kawhi Leonard officially asking for a trade. Their trajectory and roster could look drastically different in the next few weeks. This will be a time to take on developmental cases and anybody with a difference-maker upside.

Playing behind and learning from LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol (in addition to Popovich’s infinite wisdom) could also help build Noel through some much-needed mentorship. Having that kind of structure around is what certain players need to thrive.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2018: 20 best players available

Per 36 numbers can often paint a fallacy, but Noel’s offer a glimpse into what he can be. From this past season, his Per-36-Minute averages were 10 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 2.4 steals. His actual numbers give those credence.

Even in his mostly-disappointing time in Dallas, Noel cleaned the glass and defended at a high level when given/earning the opportunity. In the five games he played 25 minutes or more, he averaged seven points, 10 boards, 1.6 blocks, and 2.6 steals.

Noel is definitely a redemption project, but one worth the time to invest in. It’ll just be a matter of finding the right taker. Just remember, everyone loves a good comeback story.

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