Rockets 'Discussed' Signing Nerlens Noel: Report
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While the Houston Rockets ultimately chose not to acquire a center to help with the team's frontcourt woes at the trade deadline last week, they may still be looking for upgrades on the buyout market.
HoopsHype is reporting that the Rockets are among teams interested in signing 10-year veteran Nerlens Noel.
"The Rockets toyed with the idea of adding a center at the trade deadline, and adding Noel, a 10-year veteran, has also been discussed," HoopsHype writes.
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Noel, 29, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but was never able to live up to the hype of a top selection. However, Noel has been able to craft a lengthy career for himself by being a depth piece on several teams.
Throughout his career, Noel has played for the Philadelphia 76ers (2013-17), Dallas Mavericks (2017-18), Oklahoma City Thunder (2018-20), New York Knicks (2020-22), Detroit Pistons (2022-23) and Brooklyn Nets (2023).
Noel signed with the Sacramento Kings this offseason but was cut before training camp began. He has since gone unsigned, waiting for the right opportunity.
While Noel would give the Rockets someone else to look at for the center position, it's hard to see how someone who hasn't played in an NBA game in 11 months could be better than what Houston currently has on the roster. That's probably part of the reason why the team hasn't signed him already.
It's clear that the Rockets aren't pleased with their center scenario, but it's also safe to say that the team has been unable to find a solution better than what's already at their disposal.
