The Cleveland Cavaliers Should Trade For Nerlens Noel

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive:

The Cavaliers could end up with Nerlens Noel and, if they wanted, Carl Landry. Landry would provide valuable depth at the power forward position along with Channing Frye.

Noel is the headline of this trade, but he doesn’t have to be the starter. His defensive impact will be felt no matter what his role is. Yet, as a starter. Noel meshes perfectly with the group.

Noel’s defensive capabilities mirror Tristan Thompson‘s on the perimeter, and he’s an elite rebounder as well. However, Noel is a much better rim protector. Noel’s also very adept at jumping the passing lanes with his slight build and quickness, as well as poking the ball away when defenders have his back towards him.

Offensively, Noel has flirted with shots from all over the court, and though he’s been very inefficient, he does show the potential to be a consistent scorer.

Noel is a very effective player when rolling to the rim and will convert at a far higher rate on pick-and-rolls than Thompson. He has shown his potential on his jump hook and has a nice shooting stroke from mid-range. Noel also has shown his ability to create shots for himself.

Thompson, for his part, has been the team’s ironman. Thompson is also effective defensively because of his lateral quickness, technique and strength. However, Thompson isn’t currently a true rim protector in the NBA and seems unlikely to ever hold that title anytime soon.

Offensively, Thompson isn’t a threat unless he gets in good scoring position. Thompson’s game is energy and hustle. When he doesn’t have to think about how to play he’s at his best. That type of role is great for a player coming off of the bench.

Though Noel isn’t a great scorer, he’s the type of player that wants to and can be, unlike Thompson. In addition, Noel is a better overall defender than Thompson while also being an exceptional rebounder.

Because of his shooting potential, Noel gives Love more space to operate in the post than Thompson. That could help Love re-establish his dominance from that area.

As Noel, continues to develop his scoring ability, he gives pick-and-roll ball handlers a better finisher. In half-court sets, LeBron and Kyrie often found Thompson rolling to the rim on pick-and-rolls. Thompson didn’t finish well against defenders. For his career, Thompson shoots 61.7 percent from in close. Noel converts at a 69.9 percent rate.

Next: Balancing The Roster