OKC Thunder: 5 things to like and dislike surrounding big man Nerlens Noel

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Noel possesses a 98.5 defensive rating with OKC’s second unit and stands to improve markedly should he share the floor with the starting five. His negative-9.4 net rating isn’t indicative of his impact on court if he’s presented with the right situation. Noel is a rolling big man who plays above the rim and needs playmakers to create shots for him.

Since Westbrook went down, his numbers have been brutal. While still putting in effort defensively, Felton is a tunnel vision point guard who always looks for his own shot (despite shooting like Plumlee from the free throw line) and doesn’t look to better his teammates. Schroder is a much better floor general and stronger play-maker and as soon as Russ returns, Noel’s numbers will improve.

Additionally, he would be effective alongside Russ. Westbrook and Adams have a lethal pick and roll combination and with Noel being a more athletic version of Adams, could form a secondary one-two punch when Adams sits.  A combination of defense mixed with pick and roll possibilities are options the Thunder must explore more to keep opposing defenses on tilt.

In order for OKC to see the best of Noel, they need to put him in a position to succeed. Coach Donovan has been terrible managing minutes and has played Adams through entire quarters during the opening part of the season. Noel is no scrub.

Stop treating him like one.