Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder: Nerlens Noel 2019-20 season and contract grade

By Matthew Hallett

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 29: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2020 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 29: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2020 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Season highlights:

It would be easy to say that his shot-blocking or rim rocking dunks were Noel’s season highlights. The chemistry he had with Schroder was brilliant to watch, be it on help defense or the money end of an alley-oop.

However, for me, the greatest highlight of Nerlens Noel’s season for the OKC Thunder was the times where he was tapped to join the starting lineup. On those occasions, when he stepped onto the court he was focused, he was ready and he played with such pride and ferocity.

Noel was fully aware that when Adams came back to the team healthy he was going to be on the bench again, but that did not matter. His numbers while starting offer a tremendous story. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.6 assists in 26.4 minutes per game.

While seven games is a small sample size, Noel failed to score in double digits once where he scored only eight points. He also collected a double-double in the three point loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In these seven games, the OKC Thunder went 3-4 which is huge considering how big an impact Adams has on the team. Without Noel and his impressive attitude, the Thunder would not have reached the heights they did this season.

Home/Thunder News