Nerlens Noel has been filling in for New York Knicks injured big men Mitchell Robinson (hand) and Taj Gibson (ankle), and Noel has been doing so admirably, as pointed out by Marc Berman of the New York Post.
“I definitely don’t want anyone hurt on this team,” Noel said. “But I’ve taken that spot and made a focal point to man this team and be the anchor on the defensive end and do the small little things to help us win. I think I’ve been at a high level.”
The Knicks (18-17) have won three straight and seven of their last 10. They currently own the fourth-best record under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau.
Count Noel and their overall production in reserve among the reasons why. With Noel as the starter, they are 6-2.
The Knicks have been among the teams said to be discussing a possible trade for available Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, with Noel’s name mentioned as part of a potential return package.
But with the way the Noel and the Knicks are playing, they may not want to mess with things.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- The Knicks continue to make third-year forward Kevin Knox available, leading to speculation that he too could be involved in a hypothetical Dummond trade. Drummond reportedly would welcome a trade to New York.
- Along with the Knicks, Drummond continues to be linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are said to only be interested in the event Drummond hits the buyout market.
- Knicks general manager Scott Perry is presumably looking at centers in the G League too, Berman noted. “If the Knicks signed a free agent center they’d have to cut a player to make room,” he wrote.
- As relayed by our Chris Crouse, Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo and Golden State Warriors forward Kelly Oubre Jr. are two other names to monitor as the March 25 trade deadline nears.
