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Houston Rockets: 5 bargain targets during 2018 NBA free agency

By Jason Elbaum

CLEVELAND, CA - JUN 8: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, CA - JUN 8: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Nerlens Noel, C — Dallas Mavericks (unrestricted)

In the event that a team offers Clint Capela more than the Houston Rockets are willing to pay him, they’ll be aggressively going after one of the handful of centers on the free agent market. The former sixth overall pick out of Kentucky has been underwhelming as a pro, but could benefit from a move from one Texas team to another.

Noel played sparingly for the Dallas Mavericks this season after suffering a thumb injury. Even in the games he did play, he wasn’t able to find much of a rhythm. His final stat line for the season was 4.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 30 games, where he only started six of those games. One positive about his stats was his career-high in free throw percentage at 75.0 percent.

Still just 24 years of age, Noel has plenty of time to show his upside and develop into a respectable NBA center. He’s proven his ability to use his strength and length to grab rebounds, especially on the offensive end.

If the Rockets were to pair Noel with the passing abilities of Chris Paul and James Harden, Noel could seamlessly fill the void that Capela leaves as a reliable center. He can set solid screens, catch alley-oops and defend the rim on the defensive end. His poor production in Dallas could cause his price tag to plummet, allowing the Rockets to swoop in and sign the young center.

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