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Miami Heat: 3 free agents to consider this offseason

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat addresses the media during the introductory press conference for Jimmy Butler at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat addresses the media during the introductory press conference for Jimmy Butler at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat, NBA free agency (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Miami Heat, NBA free agency (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Miami Heat NBA free agency target No. 2: Nerlens Noel

To say Nerlens Noel has not lived up to his billing coming out of college would be an understatement. One of the initial building blocks of what became known as “The Process”, Noel played only two-and-a-half seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before being dealt away to the Dallas Mavericks. Noel would spend just over a full season in Texas before completing his last two seasons as primarily a backup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The No. 6 overall selection in 2013, Noel has seemingly been playing catch-up since missing his entire first season in the league due to the ACL injury he sustained in his sole college season. At 6’10” and possessing a 7’4″ wingspan, Noel’s combination of length and versatility makes him a formidable opponent at the defensive end of the floor.

To give an indication of Noel’s potential entering the league, here’s an excerpt from his scouting report from Draft Express:

"Any discussion about Noel’s potential as a NBA prospect should start with his phenomenal physical attributes. Measured at 6-10 without shoes, with a 7-4 wingspan and exceptional athletic ability, Noel is a rare specimen. He runs the floor like a guard, is extremely nimble and quick, and has pogo stick leaping ability. This allows him to cover ground unbelievably well both vertically and horizontally, which helps him impact the game in numerous ways. It’s safe to say that, should he make a full recovery from his injury as expected, he’ll be one of the most athletic big men in the NBA."

While this report was from seven years ago, Noel is still just 26. Given he’s about to enter his prime and has far from established himself in terms of earning his first major payday, accepting a role backing up Bam Adebayo, following two years in the same role with the Thunder and Steven Adams, is unclear.

This past season in just 18.5 minutes per game, Noel posted 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Furthermore, among 46 players in the league who registered at least 100 pick-and-roll possessions as the roll man, his 1.37 points per possession ranked sixth overall.

So given the affinity the Heat have with players from Kentucky, and of course, the resounding postseason prowess of a couple of former Wildcats in Adebayo and Tyler Herro, luring Noel to South Beach is not out of the realm of possibility.

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