Every OKC Thunder players best game of the 2018-2019 season
By Aidan E
Nerlens Noel
After re-signing with the Thunder this offseason, Nerlens Noel is slated to slot in at backup center behind Steven Adams next season.
During the two games Noel started last season (I know, small sample size) he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds a night in only 30 minutes of action.
While I don’t think Noel is capable of holding down a starting position for an entire season, NBA teams can do much worse with Noel as their backup.
Noel has quick hands in passing lanes and great instincts for blocking shots, even though he’s occasionally out of position.
The Thunder were able to re-sign Noel to a one-year minimum contract with the Thunder this offseason. I can see a scenario where Noel and his cheap deal is a sought after commodity across the NBA by teams that need centers like the Lakers and Celtics.
Noel’s first start of the season came against the Phoenix Suns at home, where he had his best game of the season. In a blowout win (excluding garbage time), Noel collected 20 points and 15 rebounds in only 26 minutes of action replacing Steven Adams after he was previously a game-time decision.
Stat line:
- 10-28-19 versus Phoenix: 20 points / 15 rebounds / 4 steals / 2 assists (9-14 overall)
Additional Performances:
- 2-14-19 at New Orleans: 22 points / 13 rebounds / 2 steals (10-16 overall)
- 11-30-18 versus Atlanta: 14 points / 7 rebounds / 3 steals / 2 blocks (6-7 overall)