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What has happened to Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel as of late?
According to sports anchor Newy Scruggs of NBC 5 Dallas-Forth Worth, he believes that Noel is not getting any playing time over the past month due to his work ethic.
“My sources tell me that Nerlens Noel is not known as a hard worker,” Scruggs said. “I cannot for the life of me understand that if a player decides to turn down a 4-year, $72-million contract to bet on himself getting a max deal why that player would not be in top shape and perform at a level the club has never seen.”
This season, Noel is only averaging 4.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in just 12.5 minutes of action per contest. However, the sixth overall pick from the 2013 NBA Draft is frustrated and is having a tough time understanding why he isn't getting playing time in Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle's rotation.
“I'm doing everything I need to, staying in shape, continuing to work on my game and working on the little things,” Noel said, per Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. “It's frustrating at times. But I think I got laser focus right now for what I want to do and where I want to be. I'm anxious to play. When that comes, it comes.”
The Mavs, who routed the L.A. Clippers 108-82 at American Airlines Center on Saturday night, had only one player on the active roster who did not play a single minute: Nerlens Noel. Regardless, the center says he will continue to work hard and try to prove his worth.
“That opportunity lies with coach and the coaches,” Noel said. “I'll always be ready and be in tip-top shape. I'm just optimistic about having my most productive year. That's what I'm optimistic about.”
Noel, who will be eligible to be traded after Dec. 15, might be a name that is brought about in trade talks in the upcoming weeks.
