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

3. Get in the good graces of the front office

The Dallas Mavericks front office and Nerlens Noel had their own version of a standoff this offseason. Both sides were at a stalemate in Noel’s restricted free agency contract talks.

The signing of his $4.1 million qualifying offer got the wheels spinning on what will be a season under the microscope for Nerlens Noel. Noel will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason but that doesn’t mean he can’t remain in the good graces of the Dallas Mavericks’ front office.

Noel is betting on himself to earn a max deal this season and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but he’ll need to remain healthy.

Nowitzki isn’t expected to play a heavy amount of minutes as he enters his 20th season in the league. Noel could find himself as a viable Sixth Man of the Year candidate before it’s all said and done and in the end, it could all work out in his favor.

Noel has the potential to run the pick-and-roll with point guard Dennis Smith Jr., which creates a plethora of options for them on offense. If things work out, Noel could get the max offer he was looking for this offseason.