Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for Nerlens Noel in 2017-18

Center Nerlens Noel has some work to do in 2017-18 to prove himself with the Dallas Mavericks. Here are five goals for him to build on this season.

Nerlens Noel was a surprise grab for the Dallas Mavericks before last season’s NBA Trade Deadline. Noel was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers for forward Justin Anderson, center Andrew Bogut and the Mavericks’ second-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Noel looked to be a much better fit in Dallas, averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in 22 appearances. He started in 12 of those appearances as well.

The offseason told a different story between the Mavs and Noel, however, as both sides were unable to strike a long-term deal. Noel was offered and declined a four-year, $70 million deal in hopes of earning a max deal.

When the $70 million offer was pulled, Dallas put Noel’s original qualifying offer of $4.1 million for one year, which Noel eventually signed. The deal will make Noel an unrestricted free agent in the 2018 offseason.

With free agency looming, Noel needs to have a strong and productive 2017-18 season or his gamble could come back to haunt him. There’s a lot of risk involved this year, but his goals should set the tone. Here’s a look at five goals for Nerlens Noel in the 2017-18 season.