Cleveland Cavaliers: 10 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency
By Tony Pesta
![CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 5: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans puts pressure on Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 5, 2019 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 5: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans puts pressure on Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on January 5, 2019 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4081e4a2e79d8d26c91059cf13d7abc6da110f7a55ef05b62d1565925f99b326.jpg)
6. Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel is similar to Jahlil Okafor in that he was projected to be a star in the NBA, only to have the drastic style change of the game derail his career. There simply isn’t as much of a need for one-dimensional players such as Noel. However, the Cavaliers might be able to make use of him.
Noel is really only above-average in one thing and that is shot-blocking. His long arms and jumping ability make him a threat to contest and swat shots. Despite never receiving many minutes, Noel has a career average of 1.4 blocks per game. Last season he was one of the best shot-blockers in the league per 36 minutes, blocking an average of 3.3 shots per 36.
As for the Cavaliers, they ranked dead-last in the NBA for blocked shots. Not a single player on the team averaged more than 0.6 blocks per game as they finished the season with fewer total blocks than Myles Turner himself.
Therefore, it seems like a no-brainer to pursue Noel in free agency. Sure, he might not have any value outside of his defense, but that is exactly what the Cavaliers need right now.