The Dallas Mavericks used to be one of the most powerful teams in the NBA. They have reached the NBA Finals twice and won the championship in 2011. They have reached the playoffs for 3 consecutive years but always lost in the first round.
This season though was a very different story for the Mavs. With a 4-15 win-loss record, the Mavericks are fifth in the Southwest Division and are the worst team in the West. They lost 10 of their last 12 games. But their last game against the Chicago Bulls might give them some momentum moving forward.
The Mavericks' long-time franchise player Dirk Nowitzki hasn't played much this season because of injuries. In 5 games with the Mavs this season, Nowitzki averages 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. His absence is perhaps the biggest reason why the Mavs have been struggling tremendously this season.
But in his absence, new acquisition Harrison Barnes has emerged as the Mavs top player. During his four-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, Barnes is averaging 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 307 regular season games. But in his 19 games with the Mavericks this season, he is averaging 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists, as per ESPN.
Barnes is just in his fifth NBA season. He will be one of the Mavs' cornerstone for years to come. But he still needs a young star who can help him in getting the team back to the playoffs. And according to a NBA Rumor Central in ESPN, the Dallas Mavericks are one of the teams that might have interest in acquiring Nerlens Noel.
Noel was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans as the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. His rights were then traded to Philadelphia 76ers. Now on his 3rd year in the NBA, Noel is averaging 10.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.8 steals in 142 regular season games.
Although he still hasn't played any game this season because of injuries, he is still considered as one of the rising stars in the league. Reports say that he close to return on the basketball court.
If the Mavs will acquire Noel, they would probably win more games. He is known to be defensive guy. And pairing with Andrew Bogut inside the rim will make the Mavs defense one of the best in the league.
He is also a capable scorer and rebounder. Aside from that, he is just 22 years old and still trying to reach his maximum potential as a basketball player. With him and Harrison Barnes, the Mavs have a bright future ahead. These two talented players could carry the Mavs' franchise to playoffs in 2-3 years.
Will the Dallas Mavericks sign Nerlens Noel? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
