Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder: Nerlens Noel anxious to display ‘my dog’ with new squad

By Jordan Buckamneer

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 11: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 11, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 11: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on March 11, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nerlens Noel turned down a big Dallas offer and larger free agency bids to join the OKC Thunder. Banking on himself he intends to demonstrate why that was a  smart bet.

After a tumultuous start to his career Nerlens Noel elected to leave money on the table to join the OKC Thunder. With his new team Noel isn’t just looking to prove a point he intends on rediscovering his joy and showcasing why he was once considered a player with high upside.

Brett Dawson’s NewsOK article touches on the semantics of this proclamation as Noel told him he’ll ‘bring his dog out‘” this year with the OKC Thunder.

"He means a side of his playing personality that comes out when he’s at his most intense, his most energetic. The Thunder’s newest free-agent acquisition has displayed it during his four seasons in the NBA — even on teams that mostly played dead — but by his own admission, not often enough.“I definitely want to bring my dog out,” Noel said last week after watching a Thunder Summer League game from a courtside seat. “It’s been a while. It comes in spurts, the situations I was in. But I want to have it out on a nightly basis, playing with that energy and that joy.”"

In his first four years as a professional, things haven’t been easy for Nerlens Noel. He’s battled injuries, gone through a suspension and has yet to make a playoff appearance. Despite his misfortune, the 24-year-old center out of Kentucky received a four-year, $70 million deal from the Dallas Mavericks. A fair offer considering his current resume and potential as a younger player. However, Noel made it known he’s capable of more.

In lieu of a longer commitment, Noel signed a one-plus-one contract worth the veteran minimum with aspirations of increasing his value. And he was willing to do so for a chance to be held to a higher standard.

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Although playing for an under-average team can fluff stats, it’s clearly become an obstacle for Noel. Playing for a championship team is about being held to a higher standard. Players are playing for themselves, but more importantly, for each other in pursuit of wins. So hearing Noel’s desire to apart of something bigger is uplifting.

Yes, he’s battled injuries, and most recently, a suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. And, even when Noel has been on the floor, his play is average at best. But as he enters his mid-twenties, he’s taken on a personal challenge.

Noel hasn’t recognized success or subsequent payouts. Instead he’s electing to gamble on himself to prove his worth.

With the OKC Thunder he’ll get one or two seasons to showcase and increase his value. Moreover, he’s anxious for his first taste of the playoffs.

The OKC Thunder may be a short stop for Noel, but it’s a perfect fit for everyone involved at the moment.

Noel gets a second chance at a large contract, and the OKC Thunder get to benefit from his ambitious wishes at a league-minimum deal.

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