Oklahoma City Thunder: How will Nerlens Noel fit in next year?

How he fits

Nerlens Noel fits well into the grand scheme of the Oklahoma City rotation as a solid backup center. That’s saying something in a league that continues to change year after year.

Noel can provide solid minutes in a reserve role as a shot-blocker, rebounder and rim-runner. He’s also a solid option in the pick-and-roll game. What’s even better is Noel is only 24 years old with his best years ahead of him. If given the right motivation, Noel could turn into a solid acquisition for the Thunder.

The Oklahoma City bench ranked 29th in the NBA in rebounds per game (11.3) in 2017-18. It became their Achilles’ heel by the end of the postseason without their starters on the floor. Noel’s presence should change all of that.

Many cited Noel’s lack of work ethic as a reason he didn’t see much playing time in Dallas. He’ll have an opportunity to right that wrong with the uber-competitive and fiery Russell Westbrook and newly-signed superstar Paul George pushing him in 2018-19.