Nerlens

Noel

After adding JaVale McGee, the Kings decided they had enough depth at center and have moved on from both Noel and Queta, who were signed to non-guaranteed deals. This won’t have much of an impact on fantasy, since any backup center will be behind Domantas Sabonis.

It was reported a little over a week ago that the Mavericks intend to waive McGee, whose 2022-23 season was a major disappointment after he was signed to be the starting center. He shouldn’t lack options once he clears waivers, and Sacramento is one possibility. While Domantas Sabonis is locked into the starting job, the options behind him aren’t great. Alex Len was brought back on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum, while Nerlens Noel also inked a one-year contract and Neemias Queta will be on a two-year pack that’s partially guaranteed. McGee would have a shot at earning the backup center job in training camp if signed, but that won’t impact fantasy basketball much due to the presence of Sabonis.

The nine-year NBA veteran spent last season with the Pistons and Nets, appearing in a total of 17 games. Noel’s signing will boost Sacramento’s center rotation behind Domantas Sabonis, but it will only impact fantasy basketball if the Kings are without their All-Star due to injury. And the Kings re-signed Alex Len earlier this month, which limits Noel’s streaming potential. Noel finished last season with averages of 2.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11.5 minutes.

Brooklyn is dealing with a ton of injuries, so the starting lineup looks quite different Thursday. Noel, Curry, Harris and DFS can all be streamed, but don’t get your hopes up for a massive game out of any of them.

Brooklyn will be sorely shorthanded Thursday, which opens up streaming opportunities for guys like Nerlens Noel, Dorian Finney-Smith, Yuta Watanabe and Day’Ron Sharpe.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said during his pregame availability that Noel will play some so the coach can evaluate him within the team’s rotation. Day’Ron Sharpe is the player who will be most impacted by this, but he wasn’t a fantasy asset when serving as Nicolas Claxton’s lone backup. And fantasy managers can leave Noel on the waiver wire.

After reportedly signing with the team last week, Nerlens is now officially a Brooklyn Net. With it being a 10-day it’ll be interesting to see how quickly head coach Jacque Vaughn works him into the rotation and what his minutes allocation will be. He should slot in at the backup center spot ahead of Day’Ron Sharpe however, his expected production isn’t worth having him rostered in fantasy leagues.

Noel opened the season with Detroit, but they agreed to a buyout earlier this week. He now joins a playoff team that lacks depth behind Nicolas Claxton at center. Noel will likely slide in as the backup five, ahead of Day’Ron Sharpe. However, as long as Claxton is healthy, Noel won’t provide any value in standard leagues.

Noel hasn’t been much of a fantasy contributor this season, but he will now be free to sign with a contending team. However, it’s unlikely he finds a suitor that will provide him with enough playing time to be worth rostering in any format. He belongs on the waiver wire.