Dallas Mavericks: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18 season

Strength No. 2: Noel signing keeps interior defense intact

The Dallas Mavericks and Nerlens Noel had been at a stalemate with contract talks until recently. On Aug. 28, both sides came to terms on a one-year, $4.1 million deal.

While this is a strength, it also comes with a bit of a disclaimer (stay tuned). The signing of Noel for at least the 2017-18 season gives the Mavericks a solid interior defender to work with.

Up until signing Noel, Dallas had only Dwight Powell, Jeff Withey and Salah Mejri as the listed centers on the roster for next season. Noel gives the Mavericks another opportunity to finish with a top-five scoring defense in the league.

The Dallas Mavericks ranked fourth in the NBA points allowed per game (100.8) last season. Their record this year could show what the addition of Noel truly does for them, if it’s only briefly. Noel will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

On the brightside, the Mavericks also get a bargain out of the deal with Noel’s contract. Instead of potentially making him their third highest-paid player, he’s now making less than Josh McRoberts and Dwight Powell next season.