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OKC Thunder Nerlens Noel goes one-on-one with Enes Kanter on court and in social media

By Jordan Buckamneer

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 4, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 4: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 4, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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A lightly competitive one-on-one game between OKC Thunder center Nerlens Noel and Enes Kanter turned into a lighthearted beef on social media.

No shade was thrown on either end, but after Enes Kanter posted a video of himself putting in work against Nerlens Noel, Noel responded with a video of his own. Even though Kanter appeared to have the upper hand based on the limited footage, Noel showed some good things as well.

As Thunder fans remember well, Kanter is one of the best offensive big men in the league. He’s an excellent triple-threat player, as he can shoot or get to the rim and finish nicely off the dribble. Less expected, however, was seeing similar moves from Noel.

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Typically known for his defense, Noel was brought in during the wild off season to provide more stability off the bench. His presence down low as a rim protector will be a great asset moving forward, but if he can face up from mid-range and hit an open shot, he will blossom in Oklahoma City.

The Thunder were dead last in bench scoring last season at 25.0 points per game. While the starting five was able to makeup the difference most of the time, the bench will have to be better this time around if a championship is in the cards.

Bringing in Dennis Schroder to be the sixth man was the main solution to the problem, but Noel will  be asked to contribute offensively as well. Hopefully, we witness plenty of put-backs and pick-and-roll opportunities in addition to the occasional mid-range jumper he displayed against Kanter.

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And for what it’s worth, seeing Kanter play well is always nice. He still clearly loves Oklahoma City and Thunder fans have very little to hold against him. In a sense, it was nice to see a former Thunder big man square up against the new guy in town

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