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NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots For Nerlens Noel

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) warms up before action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) warms up before action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets committed to an all-out offense by hiring Mike D’Antoni as head coach. James Harden’s usage rate and production will likely go through the roof, and Houston’s team scoring offense will follow suit.

To balance those offensive eruptions, someone will need to anchor the defense.

Nerlens Noel is remarkably athletic for a 7’0″ center with a 7’4″ wingspan. He runs the floor like a wing, can play above the rim, and is a quietly consistent force on the offensive glass—three strengths that Houston will require from its center in 2015-16.

If Houston can somehow convince the 76ers to send Noel its way, it should.

D’Antoni was an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015-16, which gives him a familiarity with Noel. Even without that connection, Noel’s prowess as a shot-blocker, on-ball defender, and pick-and-roll finisher make him an ideal target.

The reason Houston isn’t higher on this list: it doesn’t have very much to realistically offer in a trade.

Next: Matter of Tradition

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