Dallas Mavericks 2017-18 projected starting lineup

Center: Nerlens Noel

Assuming a deal is done by the start of the season, Nerlens Noel is going to be the starting center for the Mavs. The 23-year-old lanky big man averaged a pleasing 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds with Dallas once he was traded from Philadelphia.

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He only played 22 games with his new team, but worked his way into the starting lineup for 12 of them.

Noel’s Tyson Chandler-esque style of play made it easy for Mavs fans to get excited and cheer for him.

What’s more, Nerlens shot just over 70 percent from the free throw line – nine whole percentage points higher than his career average.

Granted, it was a small sample size. But if he can continue to improve in that aspect of his game, then Dallas has a bright future at center.

Next: The Good News and Bad News Regarding Nerlens Noel

If for whatever reason Noel doesn’t get a deal done with the Mavs by the start of the season, Salah Mejri and Dwight Powell can log minutes down low.