If you follow the NBA, you have seen the #FreeJah movement take off in the past few weeks. Essentially, the 76ers organization has not given Jahlil Okafor any playing time even though he was their third overall pick in 2015. The calls for Jahlil to get playing time somewhere are loud, but another recent top-10 pick has been getting benched for no apparent reason. As you know from the title, this man is the Mavericks’ Nerlens Noel.
What Happened?
Following Nerlens Noel’s double-double in the Mavericks opener, his play has seen a decline. He hasn’t posted a double-double since, and his split stats are honestly sickening. But if you look closely, there’s a reason. Noel has only played one game in which he has gotten over 24 minutes, and since his DNP-CD against Cleveland, his highest amount of playing time has been five minutes. Noel is used to starting, and his only stint off the bench with Philadelphia still gave him close to 20 minutes. In Dallas, he’s getting 12. But, if Noel isn’t putting up numbers worthy of playing time, why should he be getting minutes?
Who’s Replacing Him?
Right now the Mavericks are trotting out a lineup of Dennis Smith, Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Maxi Kleber (rookie from Germany), and Dirk Nowitzki. So instead of putting Dirk at his natural Power Forward position, they are starting a 40-year old stretch big at center. Even if Nerlens is struggling, why not ride it out with him and try to build a more natural lineup? And, if all else fails, at least put him at a backup. The Mavericks’ current backup center is 31-year old Salah Mejri. Even Jeff Withey has been getting minutes, sometimes over Noel. He’s averaging 1.4 points per game on 33% shooting.
Why Should He Play?
Even if Nerlens Noel has been struggling, his play will not be able to improve as quickly if he can’t play through it. The Mavericks are 5-17 and have given Dennis Smith Jr. the keys to the offense. Why are they not playing a once-promising 23-year old who has shown potential to be a starting-caliber center? Look, I understand he’s not playing well and seems to lack in motivation. But, looking at the other options, it’s better to give Noel more playing time to get him back into a groove. If you won’t play him, at least trade him. There are some teams who had a Cavalier attitude towards filling the backup center slot and are now in need.
Agree or disagree? Let me know what you think at @PerSourcesSam!