Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Clutch Points pegs Nerlens Noel as ideal FA signing

By Nathan Beighle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 06: Nerlens Noel #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors will have limited cap space this coming free agency, but they may not need too much in order to snag a quintessential addition.

In desperate need of one thing, the Golden State Warriors will be entering the 2020 offseason looking for size. The only problem is, as we went over, is cap space will be an issue so the quality of the big men they bring in may be lacking.

That’s why, as Clutch Points’  Ashish Mathur noted, Nerlens Noel, who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, could be a perfect addition. His rim protection combined with length and efficiency makes him an ideal player to target.

Noel was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His first two seasons in the league kicked him off to a good start, but since then, he’s struggled for minutes.

This past season with the Thunder, a team that surprised many with their ability to win close games, Noel thrived, having his best season since his second year in the league.

Noel was averaging 7.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks. Per 36 minutes, those numbers can basically double as Noel failed to see over 19 minutes of action per game on the Thunder.

On top of his being efficient and on the 2014-2015 All-Rookie first team, Noel is playing on a minimum-value contract. He just isn’t worth a ton on the market for whatever reason.

Shooting a career-high 68.5% from the field, Noel may have improved his stock this season, but I doubt he would be asking for more than double what he’s currently making which is just over $2 million.

The Warriors have Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry all on max-value contracts. They won’t have the cap space to bring in a player like Anthony Davis, assuming the superstar opts out of his final year.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

They need value, and Noel brings that value. But, if he can blossom into the player he was projected to be years ago, he may bring much than just cheap frontcourt depth.

Home/Warriors News