Should the OKC Thunder re-sign Nerlens Noel?
After signing two one year deals with the OKC Thunder, should they re-sign Nerlens Noel for the third time?
After signing two minimum salary one-year deals, Nerlens Noel is out of contract again. Should the OKC Thunder re-sign Noel to another deal? Last offseason Noel almost walked after the Thunder signed Mike Muscala but that appears to be water under the bridge now.
Noel is a crucial bench piece for the Thunder. They have Dennis Schroder who is the leader off the bench, especially offensively. However, it is Noel who takes this unit to another level defensively with his rim protection and help defense.
With the exception of the Houston Rockets series, he showed a decent ability to guard the perimeter when prompted. Noel was also able to step into the starting role and perform exceptionally well when Steven Adams was out.
Why Nerlens Noel would sign with the OKC Thunder
With the team going through a potential rebuild, there is a chance that starting center Adams may be traded. If this happens then Noel has the starting spot locked up and this would not be a horrible thing for the Thunder.
If the team manages to trade Chris Paul, then the starting point guard would most likely be Schroder. The duo already has solid chemistry on offense whether it be running pick and roll or finishing at the rim on an alley-oop.
With the potential roster flux, Noel has the chance for a long-term contract, something that he has not had since his rookie deal. He has endeared himself to the OKC Thunder fan base and is only 26, so is in the prime of his earning potential.
Why the OKC Thunder would sign Nerlens Noel
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Noel has the potential to be a long term option at center. As his defense is the main strength of his game the Thunder can build around him. The pivot is the heart of a team’s defense, and this is crucial for a rebuilding team.
Noel has also shown loyalty to the organization last season. The team was meant to have a 0.2 percent chance of making the playoffs but he stayed anyway. There is a good chance Noel would stay for a number of seasons which gives the franchise some stability.
Should the OKC Thunder re-sign Nerlens Noel?
The Thunder should sign Noel to a three-year, $30, or $40 million deal max. He originally signed on with the Thunder as a player who had question marks over his durability. He has only missed 15 games in two seasons, yes his minutes have been managed but this is still a good effort.
The Thunder have surprised many with the way they played last season and Noel was a massive part of this success. With or without Adams, Noel should be a fixture in the lineup to help them transition to future success