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NBA Rumors: 3 free agents Cavaliers can sign to 15th spot

By Josh Cornelissen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers keeps his dribble as he is defended by Georges Niang #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a 126-121 76ers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers keeps his dribble as he is defended by Georges Niang #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a 126-121 76ers win at Crypto.com Arena on March 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Nerlens Noel, Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Free Agent for Cavaliers to consider No. 2: Nerlens Noel

The Cleveland Cavaliers have two of the league’s 10-best rim protectors in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. At all times they will have one and sometimes two paint protectors terrorizing opposing players, walling off the rim and blocking the shots of those foolish enough to drive all the way toward the rim.

The problem comes when one of them gets hurt. Who will step up in that scenario? Robin Lopez puts himself in the right position and is a big body in front of the rim, but he isn’t recovering to swat shots or leaping into the air to contest a layup. Dean Wade isn’t tall enough to realistically play at the 5, and the team cut Kevin Love.

Enter Nerlens Noel, who was just released by the Detroit Pistons after agreeing to a buyout agreement. Despite a long NBA career, Noel is still just 28 years old with plenty of spry in his step. He is averaging a whopping 5.2 STOCKS per 36 minutes (adding together steals and blocks) and could step in immediately as the backup big to either Allen or Mobley.

Noel won’t provide much more on offense than screens and catching lobs, but he can survive and rotate in to man the middle on defense. His rim protection and penchant for forcing turnovers should make him a coveted catch on the buyout market, and in Cleveland, he would have limited playing time but would gain plenty of championship equity.