5 Potential Landing Spots for Nerlens Noel
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have ran out of gas. With the additions of Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut this offseason, the general expectations remained relatively consistent with what we’ve seen from Dallas over the course of the past few seasons–they’d compete for a lower playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Injuries, however, have absolutely derailed any such aspirations. The Mavericks, despite immense success from Barnes on the wing, have been nothing short of awful thus far. Deron Williams and J.J. Barea have battled injury at the point guard spot, while Dirk Nowitzki has spent an extensive amount of time on the bench with an Achilles strain.
With the team running low on young talent and a veteran core that is–quickly–falling apart in many ways, it’s time for them to begin looking beyond Barnes and the 2017 Draft for long term solutions. Andrew Bogut, as highly valued as some believe him to be, hasn’t mustered much outside of his defensive approach, and is rapidly aging. With neither Salah Mejri or Dwight Powell presenting starting-caliber options at the five spot long term, Noel would be an ideal addition to slide into the equation.
Dallas doesn’t necessarily lack rim protection with Bogut, but Noel’s far-younger legs are a legitimate step up. He’d give them team a much needed boost of energy and athleticism in the frontcourt once Nowitzki returns, and could provide the likes of Williams and the rest of the point guard corps will a more viable pick-and-roll threat, even with his offensive limitations.
This is a Dallas team that needs to get younger more so than any other roster in the NBA right now, and pulling off a trade like this would certainly be a step in the right direction. For all that’s been made of Noel’s attitude in recent months, his defensive energy and willingness to produce in that respect go without questioning–and that’s something that could mesh very well under the guidance of Rick Carlisle at the helm.
The Mavericks are undermanned and in the midst of what will likely be a season in ‘tank’ mode, even if Mark Cuban doesn’t quite admit to it. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t make a pretty significant leap forward next season though, and Noel would ideally play a large part in that.
Harrison Barnes has shown that he’s a real 20-point threat on a nightly basis, and Wesley Matthews is still a capable two-way wing player when he’s healthy. The pieces are in place for them to build moving forwards, they just need to be active in attaining those assets. That’s a notion that the Mavs’ front office is all too familiar with.
What Could Move
In terms of the pieces Dallas has to offer, they’d likely have to chuck up some of their unpolished guard depth to put together a package that appeals to Noel. A 1st Round Draft pick is almost out of the question given that they’ll likely be in the upper echelon of the lottery conversation, so they’ll have to rely solely on already-rostered assets–or future picks.
Jonathan Gibson–who has excelled in his rookie campaign off the bench thus far–would be a popular name, and guys like Dorian Finney-Smith and Justin Anderson would have to be thrown into the conversation. A future first round pick would also, likely, be included if the deal was done straight up between the two teams.
With that said, though, the Mavericks are in somewhat of a unique position from a talent perspective. With their stark lack of young talent that could feasibly benefit the Sixers, a three-team deal might be the most feasible route here–one that would likely ship Bogut elsewhere.
Potential Trade Scenario
Philadelphia 76ers receive: PG Marcus Smart, SF Justin Anderson, Future 1st Round Pick (Boston)
Dallas Mavericks receive: C Nerlens Noel, PF Amir Johnson, PG Terry Rozier
Boston Celtics receive: C Andrew Bogut, SF Robert Covington, PG J.J. Barea, PG Jonathan Gibson, 2017 2nd Round Pick
This is a hectic bunch of events, and filling in each side with picks and other pieces would be a difficult task for even the most polished basketball minds. However, the concept here of a three-way deal certainly bodes well–and ties the aforementioned Celtics back into the equation once again.
The Sixers would shed Noel and Covington in this case, gaining a solid haul from both of the existential parties. Smart, as mentioned earlier, provides elite defensive versatility on the wing, as well as legitimate offensive upside as a slasher. His lack of a consistent jumper is worrisome, but his hustle and ability to guard all three perimeter positions at a high level is difficult to come across.
Anderson, on the other hand, is another solid defensive prospect and someone who could help fill the void left by Covington. He’s an excellent, well-built athlete at the three spot, and has the spot-up shooting in combination with the defensive prowess to fit nicely into Brett Brown’s scheme. They’d also, ideally, grab a pick or two in the midst of this deal.
The Mavs get the proverbial prize in Noel here, as well as extra depth on the perimeter with Amir Johnson–who helps balance out the financial aspect of the trade for the Celtics. With Bogut shipped to Boston, Noel has an immediate starting role, while Johnson could play the four if Nowitzki’s current ailment carries on through later portions of the season.
They also gain Terry Rozier, who’s a nice boost of defensive grit and upside at the point guard position. With Deron Williams and J.J. Barea (who is traded in this scenario) aging, adding a steady playmaker with Rozier’s two-way production would be an excellent addition for a rebuilding Mavs squad.
The Celtics get the veteran-heavy portion of this deal, which makes sense considering the fact that they’re looking to compete at the highest level right away. Bogut would step in as the starting center alongside Horford, making a highly calculated defensive duo in the frontcourt while opening up room for Horford to operate at his natural position.
They would also help fill their perimeter voids with Covington and Barea, who could help fill a few gaps left by the departing units of this deal. Covington’s excellent perimeter defense would be a nice boost off the bench behind Jae Crowder’s elite presence on that side of the ball, while his spot-up shooting–if consistent enough–is a major addition for a Celtics team that is in need of outside shooting.
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Barea is as solid of a spark plug as they come off the bench, and despite his defensive concerns coming in behind Isaiah Thomas, could find a nice niche sharing time with Demetrius Jackson and Jonathan Gibson. He’s an aggressive shooter and scorer when he wants to be, and paces the offensive nicely with quick bursts to the rim and solid playmaking skills. He also brings another veteran presence to a Celtics team that is looking to establish itself among the Eastern Conference elite at some point.