‘Piece’ful Persistence: Why Mavs Fans Should Embrace Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is the centerpiece the Dallas Mavericks have been looking for.

The Dallas Mavericks have finally found their centerpiece.

As the smoke clears from all the recent trade headlines, we sat on the edge of our seats anticipating which move our team will make. We wonder if they will finally address the issues that have been lacking; are they making the necessary improvements to be champions?

For a franchise such as the Dallas Mavericks, it seems the winds finally decided to blow towards the city in a centerpiece named Nerlens Noel.

The Dallas Mavericks have not been passed the first round of the playoffs since the 2010-2011 season.

In order to win in any sport, you must improve your weaknesses. The Mavericks went through such a carousel to find a center who could replace the efforts of Tyson Chandler.

Players like Samuel Dalembert, JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia, and most recently Andrew Bogut, showed hope, but no promise. These centers just couldn’t match the intensity Chandler gave the team during the championship season.

Now the Mavericks have their man in the middle.

Insert Nerlens Noel, a young 22-year-old kid, with a height of 6’11” out of the University of Kentucky. A few years in the NBA,  his fresh start is now. Injuries have plagued him since his days in Philadelphia, but when healthy, his athleticism shows his true capability as a center in the NBA.

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The trade that the Mavericks made right before the deadline brought joy to the franchise. They need a defensive presence in the paint. Since Chandler (including his brief reunion), the Mavericks couldn’t find a centerpiece who could fill the void. Three strikeouts in free agency to persuade the talents of Dwight Howard, Deandre Jordan, and Hassan Whiteside all fell through.

Noel brings a sense of not only rebuilding for the future, but a sense of hope for a franchise whose main focus is to improve post-Dirk era.

He’s the second coming of Tyson Chandler; in a younger, more athletic version. He gives the Mavericks a pick and roll threat that will finish strong under the goal. He creates space for the shooters.

A few games isn’t a grand enough scale to see what can happen. But, a few games do show what kind of immediate impact he makes for the team.

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Surrounded by other young talent and veteran leadership, this is a match made in Heaven for the team and fans alike.