What the Houston Rockets Can do Over Offseason to Become a 55-Plus Win Team Next Season

Jan 15, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) shoots the ball against Tennessee Volunteers guard Derek Reese (3) in the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 75-65. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Nerlens Noel:  The Best Option; The Least Likely

Nerlens Noel would absolutely be the best player Morey could hope for in any scenario here. Calipari called Noel the best shot blocker he had ever coached, and in a draft with so few can’t-miss type players, Noel was the only one before he hurt his ACL.

Ben McLemore is being considered in that realm, but prior to injury Noel was projected to go No.1 overall by NBADraft.net, Chad Ford and Draft Express at various points. At the time he hit his knee he was projected first by both Ford and DE.

Noel also could play both the 4/5 spots. He’s projected to go second by NBAdraft.net, and the Raptors pick is top-3 protected, so it may be that he’s not really an attainable goal.

Noel showed a surprising amount of polish offensively and actually passes very well out of double teams.  He’s not as far from being a decent offensive player than most think, and it really all hinges on how well his ACL recovers.

It was said to be a very gruesome injury, but the upside is still apparently too high for most to pass up on.  That speaks volumes about how good Noel can be.