NBA’s best low-risk, high-reward free agents: Nerlens Noel
Need someone to anchor your defense? Someone that’s mobile enough to survive in the modern NBA? Can’t afford a max guy or a trade for a guy like Mitchell Robinson? Well, look no further than his back-up this past season in Nerlens Noel.
Noel has had a weird NBA career so far, but he had his best season in New York replacing Robinson in the starting lineup after injury. He averaged 2.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in just 24 minutes per game. He is just everywhere on defense. He has shown some effectiveness as a roll man and rebounder too, so he is not a complete negative beyond it.
Now he’s set up for his first long-term contract since his rookie contract. The Raptors, Kings, Knicks, and Pistons are rumored to be interested. He would start on all those teams sans the Knicks who would be grabbing him as Mitch insurance. If you sign him you’ll be getting max-level defense on a non-max contract, anything else than that is gravy. And if he ends up with a PNR partner like LaMelo Ball…the possible rewards are massive.
God, I love this part of the NBA year. So many rumors, so many moves. After an eventful draft, I think we are in for another dramatic few days. If teams end up with these players, they’re getting guys that present little to no risks while potentially becoming steals. Keep an eye out for their destinations. See ya next time blog boys!