Cleveland Cavaliers: 10 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency

By Tony Pesta | Jun 26, 2019

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) /

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(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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.

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