#2: Nerlens Noel – Oklahoma City Thunder; Two years, $3.75 million

Nerlens Noel has had an interesting career to say the least. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft but had to sit out his first year due to injury. Once he began playing, he showed true potential and looked like a future building block for the Philadelphia 76ers along with draft class mate and then-reigning Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams.

With the NBA’s shift to a quicker pace of offensive play and much more three-point shooting, Noel was not able to keep his skill set transitioning with the league. He found himself losing his spot in the 76ers’ rotation and eventually was benched for the likes of Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid.

He then played for the Dallas Mavericks and provided decent minutes off of the bench. He was offered a four-year, $70 million contract but turned it down in hopes of a max offer. That never came and he was forced to accept a one year, $4.1 million qualifying offer to return to the Mavs.

He now finds himself in a situation in OKC where he has the chance to revitalize his career path. His skill set does not fit that of the modern NBA big man, but Noel does provide above average defense and is an excellent screener. Running pick-and-rolls with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder should open up a lot of space in the paint for Noel to operate offensively. Learning from the toughest player in the game, Steven Adams, won’t hurt either.

Nerlens Noel will not be a household name in OKC, but look for him to realize some of the potential that he showed early on in his career now that he has the right pieces surrounding him.

Next Up: #1