Brooklyn Nets: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018

4. Nerlens Noel

How Noel got to this point is a discussion all its own. After the Philadelphia 76ers shipped him to the Dallas Mavericks, he barely touched the court for Rick Carlisle. This was probably due to Carlisle’s rigid defensive scheme in Dallas, which Noel did not play into very well.

Despite this, the upside of the former No. 6 pick is still gargantuan. He’s a versatile defender who protects the rim, finishes in the pick-and-roll well and makes underrated passes in the post. Overall, he fits what a modern non-shooting big needs to do.

His problem has been disgruntlement. He’s never had a featured role, but in today’s game, he shouldn’t. Maybe coach Kenny Atkinson and the gang can shift his thinking on a buy-low, “prove it” deal.

Noel will have suitors because of his potential, but few teams will be willing to pay him much. The Nets can give him a substantial role as a backup to Jarrett Allen, which might sound like a hot take, but it shouldn’t be. Allen has done nothing to cede the starting gig, especially not to a reclamation project. The idea of playing them together could become reality, but the limited floor-spacing seems too discouraging.

In essence, Noel can rebuild his value in tandem with Brooklyn’s own rebuild. His fit in the Nets’ system is exciting, and if he can take a specialized role, he could be one of the most valuable backups in the league.