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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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Feb 3, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens talks to his players during a break in the action against the Detroit Pistons in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens talks to his players during a break in the action against the Detroit Pistons in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics won 11 NBA championships with a long and lanky defensive-minded big man named Bill Russell. Boston’s most recent championship run, 2008, was anchored by a long and lanky defensive-minded big man named Kevin Garnett.

Nerlens Noel hasn’t even sniffed Garnett or Russell’s level of greatness, but it stands to reason that Boston is in the market for another long and lanky defensive-minded big man.

Noel has elite potential on the defensive end of the floor. He’s already an above-average rim protector and quality shot-blocker who’s improving the consistency with which he steps out to defend the perimeter.

If any organization can help Noel develop into the defensive anchor he’s capable of becoming, it’s the Celtics.

Noel ranked No. 2 amongst power forwards and centers in steals per game in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. That isn’t the zenith of defensive basketball, but he does an outstanding job of hounding ball-handlers and creating transition scoring opportunities.

With the cap space, trade assets, and roster flexibility to make a move for Noel, Danny Ainge could give Avery Bradley the interior force he needs to solidify Boston’s defense as elite.

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