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Pacific rival waives two centers Golden State Warriors should have interest in

By Peter O'Keefe

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors drives around Nerlens Noel #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers on January 30, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors drives around Nerlens Noel #4 of the Philadelphia 76ers on January 30, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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When the Sacramento Kings chose to pursue and sign Javale McGee following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks, there was an element of surprise given the center depth already on their roster. That’s now been clarified a fortnight afterwards, with the franchise making a pair of further roster moves that could benefit the Golden State Warriors.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday, the Kings are waiving both Nerlens Noel and Neemias Queta citing the need to provide them more playing time elsewhere. The acquisition of McGee had given Sacramento another option on top of All-Star Domantas Sabonis and incumbent backup Alex Len.

Still looking to fill their vacant 14th roster spot, the Golden State Warriors should have interest in former Kings pair Nerlens Noel and Neemias Queta.

Noel and Queta each serve as intriguing options for Golden State who need to solidify their big man department beyond Kevon Looney, Dario Saric, Draymond Green and 23-year-old rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Noel is a nine-year NBA journeyman who was initially drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2013. The 29-year-old has played in just 42 total games across the last two seasons, spending time with the Detroit Pistons and briefly the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23.

The 6’11” big man did average 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game for the New York Knicks in 2020-21. Noel also has experience playing alongside new Warrior Chris Paul, having been a solid backup for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2019-20 season where he averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

Could Nerlens Noel join Chris Paul at the Golden State Warriors this season? (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
Could Nerlens Noel join Chris Paul at the Golden State Warriors this season? (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

Queta has been one of the most impressive young big men in the G League over the last two seasons. He earned All-NBA G League First Team and G League All-Defensive Team honours in 2023, while also participating in the ‘Next Up’ game at All-Star weekend in February.

In two seasons with the Stockton Kings, Queta averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds,  2.2 assists and 1.9 blocks in 27.9 minutes per game, shooting 66.7% from the floor and a steady 79.8% from the free-throw line.

The seven-footer is still eligible to for a two-way contract this season, though his management will surely be pushing for a standard deal on a main roster. Both Queta and Noel had signed partially-guaranteed deals with the Kings earlier this offseason.

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Noel has experience on his side having appeared in over 450 NBA games, not to mention his background briefly playing with Paul. Queta may hold more fascination given his youth, with the 24-year-old undoubtedly the high-upside play from a Golden State perspective.

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