Nerlens Noel
The biggest need for the Charlotte Hornets heading into this offseason is the center position. Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller are both free agents. While one of them could return, Charlotte should aim higher, and Nerlens Noel would present one such option.
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Noel had a great 2020-21 season with the New York Knicks. He made the most of his one-year prove-it deal, showcasing that he is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. Noel is the only player in the NBA this season to average at least 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, finishing behind only Myles Turner and Rudy Gobert in blocks per game.
While his offense leaves something to be desired, Noel is a stout defender that can anchor a defense. He would provide elite rim protection behind a perimeter defense that is sometimes lacking in Charlotte.
There will be plenty of competition to sign Noel this summer, so he could prove costly. Landing a deal around $15 million annually would not be a surprise.
