Nerlens Noel: Worth the Risk?

[Derek]

You take the guy who you think will be the best player long-term, end of story. If you're drafting somebody because they're going to have a better rookie year then you're doing it wrong.

 

[Rich]

I like Noel as much as the next guy, and think he should and will be the #1 pick, but there is something about him that is really scaring the Cavs away if they are trying to deal the pick so bad.

Yea, he's coming off of two major knee injuries and is extremely raw on offense. If the Cavs were drafting 7th, they probably wouldn't be as scared. 1st overall? It's a scary proposition to take him, and the drop-off from his ceiling to the next guy is enough to make taking anyone else pretty scary too.

And I'm a Noel guy. But I understand why they are trying to move the pick so much. It's a risky, risky pick. And if his knee is constantly a problem, that costs Chris Grant his job. Likewise, if they pass on him and take a guy like Porter, and Noel's knee ends up being fine, that also costs Chris Grant his job.

 

[Futuredome]

Noel may not be the best player long term compared to say, Bennett or even Victor. He has issues that are negating his strengths.

 

[Derek]

Noel may not be the best player long term compared to say, Bennett or even Victor. He has issues that are negating his strengths.

There's not a single guy in this draft without issues, but if you deem somebody else to be the better prospect, that's who you take.

 

[Jack Brickman]

Noel may not be the best player long term compared to say, Bennett or even Victor. He has issues that are negating his strengths.

You could make that argument in every draft ever. There was no guarantee Kyrie would be the best guy from the 2011 draft. There's still not. He was the best prospect, though, so the Cavs took him. The same is true for Noel. There are no guarantees in life or the draft. If you're picking number one, you take the best prospect on the board and cross your fucking fingers.

 

[chrisrich91]

If Barkevious Mingo wearing Orange and Brown on draft night was any indicator, look out for any prospect wearing Wine and Gold tomorrow.

NBA.com held a contest to pick what suit Nerlens wears tomorrow. None had wine or gold. Suit colors will not be a giveaway...

I don't think we actually get a solid answer on who we're selecting until that first syllable escapes Stern's mouth.

 

[Nathan S]

NBA.com held a contest to pick what suit Nerlens wears tomorrow. None had wine or gold. Suit colors will not be a giveaway...

I don't think we actually get a solid answer on who we're selecting until that first syllable escapes Stern's mouth.

Anyone else try and fail to think of two prospects whose names begin with the same syllable?

 

[Jack Brickman]

Anyone else try and fail to think of two prospects whose names begin with the same syllable?

No. Nerd.

 

[AuxiliaryPie]

NBA.com held a contest to pick what suit Nerlens wears tomorrow. None had wine or gold. Suit colors will not be a giveaway...

I don't think we actually get a solid answer on who we're selecting until that first syllable escapes Stern's mouth.

"Orange my favorite color"

 

[Silky Smooth]

I feel like people are underrating Noel just like many underrated Andre Drummond last season and to a certain extent Jonas Valanciunas in 2011. Noel's type of size, length, athletic ability and touch around the basket is rare and hard to find. Strength will come. Once he gets better core strength and keeps improving offensively (I see potential more than anybody else apparently) he will be a very good big man in the league.

As far as Noel Vs. Len, if I'm drafting #1 in the draft I want the player who I believe can be a star. As good and polished of a player as Len is, I don't think he will be a star. Noel seems to have more potential to be an alpha dog imo.

 

[atlbraves]

I agree with the injury concerns, I guess I'm just wondering if there was any truth to the rumors about Noel's "handlers" scaring teams away.

 

[GaryBriggs]

NBA.com held a contest to pick what suit Nerlens wears tomorrow. None had wine or gold. Suit colors will not be a giveaway...

WORST. CONTEST. EVER.

 

[TyGuy]

This is one of my favorite highlight packages fro ma game of Nerlens. How many big men can make those two left handed passes he executed? Love the drive from the top of the key and flush.[video=youtube;YOyXZmYQY-A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOyXZmYQY-A[/video]

 

[petes999]

This is one of my favorite highlight packages fro ma game of Nerlens. How many big men can make those two left handed passes he executed? Love the drive from the top of the key and flush.[video=youtube;YOyXZmYQY-A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOyXZmYQY-A[/video]

Now only if we can play Morehead State. Things look easier when you are playing cupcakes. Yet, I do like Noel. I rather see the Alabama game.

 

[JSS2306]

Shout out to all my 17%'ers.

Logic always wins over hype.