Mavericks Recent Addition, Nerlens Noel, Offers Tremendous Hope for the Future
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a deadline trade becoming both buyers AND sellers, all while building hope for the future.
At long last, the Dallas Mavericks are once again active at the trade deadline. An activity that once built the Mavs franchise, made a comeback today when the Mavs acquired former No. 6 overall draft pick, Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers.
In exchange the Mavs sent Andrew Bogut and his expiring contract, along with Justin Anderson and a conditional 1st round pick.
Philadelphia is sending Nerlens Noel to Dallas for Justin Anderson and a first-round draft pick, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
Nerlens Noel was deemed expendable in Philadelphia because of the frontcourt logjam of talent. With Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Ben Simmons, and Noel all jockeying for playing time, Noel became the odd man out.
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At just 22-years old, Noel is far from a finished product. In fact, he’s consistently improved his game despite inconsistent playing time. As a highly athletic defensive presence, Noel adds youth and energy to a Dallas Mavericks squad severely lacking in both.
The 6’11” former Kentucky star, Noel figures immediately into the Mavs starting lineup.
Part power forward, part center, Noel will likely see the bulk of his minutes in the middle at the five spot.
His 61.1 percent field goal percentage is among the best in the league and it’s fair to assume his 10.2 points per game average would improve with greater playing time.
Playing time shouldn’t be a problem in Dallas and neither should a new contract. The Dallas Mavericks didn’t trade away a draft pick for nothing here. They invested in the future.
The Mavericks have long been intrigued with Noel, and will work to sign him to an extension. Noel's a restricted free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
The Dallas Mavericks had been clear this week — they intended to acquire more draft picks, not less. But after seeing little-to-no interest in Andrew Bogut and Deron Williams (in the form of first round compensation), they presumably decided to call an audible.
Nerlens Noel was that audible.
Noel may not have lived up to his potential as of yet but he’s still years away from his prime and will now have the benefit of a solid team in which to play with. Coach Rick Carlisle and veteran players Dirk Nowitzki and Wesley Matthews are sure to have a hand in Noel’s development.
Unlike in Philly, the opportunities are for the taking in Dallas and Noel needs only to take advantage.
Nerlens Noel isn’t as feared of a player offensively as he is defensively, but he’s improving. His overall field goal percentage is a career best, his free throw percentage is a career best, and his midrange field goal percentage is a career best.
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He may never be an offensive force but if he keeps trending in this direction he could certainly be the star the Dallas Mavericks have been so desperately searching for.