Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 options at center in free agency

By Andrew Neururer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball away from Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball away from Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 30: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 30: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

3. Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel always seems to be in the middle of the conversation when it comes to targets the Timberwolves should consider, dating back to when he entered the league in 2014, and understandably so; he’s a perfect fit for what the Wolves want and need.

Granted, Minnesota does need shooting and Noel provides none of that. But what he does add is energy, athleticism and defense. And personally, I think Noel has a lot higher ceiling than what he’s been given because he’s never really been given the chance.

He was the sixth pick in the 2014 draft out of Kentucky and went down mid-year with a major knee injury. Then there was the logjam in Philadelphia’s frontcourt that ultimately sent him packing to Dallas. Things haven’t gone well there, either.

But I’m a firm believer that there’s still a lot left to offer. He’s still only 24 years old, only averaging 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game last season. Overall for his career, however, including his performance with the Sixers before things started to get a little gloomy, Noel has seen averages of 10.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest, and has averaged nearly a pair of steals and blocks per game.

The potential is there if you give him the chance to succeed. It’s a gamble, but it’s a low risk with a potentially high reward. And that’s something Minnesota can’t miss out on if they want to vastly improve the depth on their bench.