Rockets looking at Nerlens Noel?

[Mr. E]

I'm not sure how reliable the Christian Times is as a source, but could the Rockets be working on a Noel deal (with Phoenix involved)?


http://christiantimes.com/article/houston-rockets-trade-rumors-rockets-join-in-noel-sweepstakes/61847.htm

Looking for a big man to help complete the squad, the Houston Rockets are reportedly looking at an Eastern Conference team who are offloading one of their centers.

According to rumors, the Philadelphia 76ers' center Nerlens Noel is a target of the Rockets.

Reports say that a deal may be in place, and three teams are going to be involved, with the Phoenix Suns as the third wheel to make this trade possible

[jwise44]

Would be a solid add depending on what we give up

I hope we keep Capela as a backup (supposing this is true)

[K_chile22]

There was a similar rumor where the Rockets were sending Bev and Ariza for him around the draft

[texasholdem]

I'd rather try to get okafor

[TMU]

I would much rather have Noel who, despite being a subpar offensive player, is a better rebounder and rim protector than Okafor. Depends on who we give up, but definitely a type of player worth pursuing given that he has the defensive skillset at only age 22. Wonder if this means that the Rockets are moving away from Donatas.

[texasholdem]

I would much rather have Noel who, despite being a subpar offensive player, is a better rebounder and rim protector than Okafor. Depends on who we give up, but definitely a type of player worth pursuing given that he has the defensive skillset at only age 22. Wonder if this means that the Rockets are moving away from Donatas.

I think Okafor can play PF more than Noel can. A Capela-Okafor frontcourt with Anderson off the bench or starting at 3 on occasion. I don't think Capela-Noel works too well. Of course this is assuming Capela isn't part of the package to land either player.

Okafor >>> Noel offense
Okafor < Noel rebounding
Okafor < Noel shot blocking

Also Noel had a torn ACL not too long ago, which is a lot more serious than Okafor's meniscus tear

Contract wise, Noel can be a free agent in 2017 while Okafor doesn't become one until 2019

[bwgood77]

That would be HUGE....A D'Antoni offense with a guy like Noel in the middle...I'd move you up from like fringe to probably 4th-6th.

[bwgood77]

I would much rather have Noel who, despite being a subpar offensive player, is a better rebounder and rim protector than Okafor. Depends on who we give up, but definitely a type of player worth pursuing given that he has the defensive skillset at only age 22. Wonder if this means that the Rockets are moving away from Donatas.

I think Okafor can play PF more than Noel can. A Capela-Okafor frontcourt with Anderson off the bench or starting at 3 on occasion. I don't think Capela-Noel works too well. Of course this is assuming Capela isn't part of the package to land either player.

Okafor >>> Noel offense
Okafor < Noel rebounding
Okafor < Noel shot blocking

Also Noel had a torn ACL not too long ago, which is a lot more serious than Okafor's meniscus tear

Contract wise, Noel can be a free agent in 2017 while Okafor doesn't become one until 2019

NO, my biggest worry about you guys is defense and presence in the middle, both of which Noel is elite at.

[ken6199]

That would be HUGE....A D'Antoni offense with a guy like Noel in the middle...I'd move you up from like fringe to probably 4th-6th.

He will get into one of the NBA all defense teams next season I bet on it. To fit in MDA's system, he needs to refine his jumpshot to at least 50% of A'mare's, then he is good to go.

If it's Bev+Ariza for Noel, I would hit the button in a heartbeat.

[bwgood77]

That would be HUGE....A D'Antoni offense with a guy like Noel in the middle...I'd move you up from like fringe to probably 4th-6th.

He will get into one of the NBA all defense teams next season I bet on it. To fit in MDA's system, he needs to refine his jumpshot to at least 50% of A'mare's, then he is good to go.

If it's Bev+Ariza for Noel, I would hit the button in a heartbeat.

For starters if he could just dunk on offense, that would be fine. That's all Amare could really do in 2005 when they got to the WCF. His defense though would be the difference. He could gradually work on the jump shot.

[Mr. E]

That would be HUGE....A D'Antoni offense with a guy like Noel in the middle...I'd move you up from like fringe to probably 4th-6th.

He will get into one of the NBA all defense teams next season I bet on it. To fit in MDA's system, he needs to refine his jumpshot to at least 50% of A'mare's, then he is good to go.

If it's Bev+Ariza for Noel, I would hit the button in a heartbeat.

I love Beverley & & love Ariza...but I'd drive them both to the airport. Actually, I'd drive them all the way to Philly and let them pick the music the whole way!