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Nerlens Noel Made a Mistake By Re-Signing With Oklahoma City Thunder

By Alex Weber

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 16: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Playoffs Moda Center on April 16, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 16: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Playoffs Moda Center on April 16, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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Nerlens Noel is returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here’s why the former Wildcat is making a bad decision by re-signing.

Nerlens Noel has been a tragic figure in the free agent market over the past few years. In an age where many NBA players are earning far more than their worth on a yearly basis, Noel has not only missed his chance at a big payday, but also settled for a certain backup center role on a middling playoff team. Nerlens, despite a sure need for starting centers across the league, decided to return to Oklahoma City, where he was only able to earn reserve minutes in lieu of Thunder frontcourt pillar Steven Adams. Adams is a key cog for Billy Donovan’s Thunder squad and he’s on the books for over $25 million each year over the next two. Barring a major trade or injury, Adams will be the starting center and primary frontcourt option. Noel, once again, will be a bench piece. I think he could do better.

Ultimately, Nerlens should do whatever he is most comfortable with. And if he’s fine starting games on the pine and serving solely in substitute for Adams, so be it. Perhaps he enjoys Oklahoma City (no way), the Westbrook experience (again, no shot), or simply feels satisfied with the Thunder leadership and current roster (plausible, I guess). If so, then the move makes sense for Nerlens (maybe?).

But I think there are better fits and superior situations for Noel. After turning down a mammoth 4 year, $70 million deal, I’m sure Nerlens was chomping at the bit to find the first guaranteed deal he could. After a monetary disaster of that ilk, I’d be on edge too.

But the Thunder? I’m sorry but of all the places in the world, why Oklahoma City? What is the appeal? You’ve got Westbrook, a ball dominant and moody point guard set to make $44 million-per-year on the wrong side of 30 and, in Nerlens’ case, a veteran big man who cannot play next to a fellow non-shooting center. Nerlens is settling for a limited role on a playoff team when he could seek a starting role elsewhere. Maybe winning is everything for the former cat, but he is forfeiting A LOT of potential personal success.

There are countless teams with an open spot at the center position, and probably more money and minutes available. Nerlens Noel would be an upgrade over the current starting center on the Kings, Knicks, Pelicans, Celtics, Hawks, and Mavericks. All six of those teams could use Noel immediately. And the list of better fits and payroll scenarios extends even further.

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Noel’s main selling point is defense and rim protection. Every remotely dependable franchise has a rim protector. You need someone to clean up perimeter defensive errors and prevent easy shots at the basket. Oklahoma City has an elite version of that archetype in Steven Adams. Noel is a sharp downgrade off the bench and a commodity his team already has. If Thunder coach Billy Donovan wants a different look at center, I’m not even sure if Noel will be the first option. Why bring a worse version of something you already have off the bench? Most teams bring versatile multi-positional players off the bench. Noel is neither of those things. The perfect scenario for him is next to a floor-spacer or more offensively talented frontcourt running mate. Adams is neither of those. And Noel is the same to Adams. The two simply don’t work together on a basketball court in 2019.

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Nerlens brings a lot to the table on the defensive end, as mentioned, with his elite shot-blocking and sound fundamentals. And on offense, he can finish lobs and operates well in the pick-and-roll. He presents value in the NBA. Unfortunately, he’ll be restricted in an exclusive reserve role on one of the league’s more puzzling teams.

I’m rooting hard for Nerlens, however things play out. I hope everything goes in his favor but ultimately I fear he’s made an unwise choice staying in Oklahoma City.

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