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

2. Improve the Mavericks’ defense as a paint protector

The Dallas Mavericks have a top defender in the making in center Nerlens Noel. They just need to use him correctly.

Noel brings a lot of the paint presence former center Tyson Chandler brought as a member of the Mavericks from 2010-11 and 2014-15. Chandler averaged 10.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game. He was a solid anchor on two teams that posted a combined record of 105-57.

That’s the model Nerlens Noel brings to the table with his ability on the defensive side of the ball. He’s still got untapped potential on the offensive end. The better he performs on defense, the less Dallas will need to worry about his offense.

It also helps Noel can play either the power forward or center position, depending on matchups. With an aging Dirk Nowitzki in the fold, they’ll need Noel to pick up the slack. Improving as a paint protector will earn him more minutes down the road.