NBA: 10 players who could take the next step in 2017-18

By Jamie Campbell | Jun 25, 2017

Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

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8. Nerlens Noel, F/C, Dallas Mavericks (RFA)

After finally being traded away from the Philadelphia 76ers – which he had wanted for a while – Nerlens Noel is finally in a good situation with the Dallas Mavericks.

Noel will be the full-time starter at center for the Mavs which will keep him happy and more motivated than he was with the Sixers.

He already has the capability to anchor an NBA defense and will get an opportunity to prove just that in his first full year with Dallas.

If he can slightly improve his offence, he will become one of the better two-way centers in the NBA, and possibly bring the Mavericks back into the playoff race. He’ll be a top priority for the Mavs this summer as he becomes a restricted free agent.

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