Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

5 reason’s why OKC Thunder RPM projections fall short

By Lawrence George

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
OKC Thunder center Nerlens Noel
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Nerlens Noel of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks with the media during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Noel is a Starting Caliber Center

Noel is a slightly different proposition. He has never been in a winning situation and his net rating numbers are awful. While he only appeared in 30 games last year with Dallas, he produced a minus -11.6 individual net rating and the Mavericks were four points worse with him on court. The big man appeared disinterested with his role in Dallas and the Mavs were clearly tanking in their quest to achieve a high draft pick.

One saving grace for Noel was his statistical output when he first arrived to Dallas in 2016-17. He posted 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks in 21.9 minutes and produced a plus +1.4 individual net rating. When engaged, he is a tremendous player and justifies his sixth overall selection in 2013. However, when left to his own devices is poor and plays like a 15th man.

This is what an engaged Noel looks like.

The Thunder played Steven Adams far too many minutes last season and appeared gassed in the playoffs. Adding Noel will relieve the big Kiwi and his athletic ability is a perfect match alongside Schroder and Russ when he checks in. Inserting the former Kentucky star as the back-up center is a huge upgrade over Patterson and Johnson.

Home/Thunder News