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Kings: Nerlens Noel’s signing likely sees fan-favorite monstrous player exit

By Parker Thomas

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a break in the action during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a break in the action during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings have gone head-on into addressing their needs this season, signing center Nerlens Noel to a deal on Monday. The Kings have needed defensive presence as well as size to back up All-Star center Domantas Sabonis – and they went out and got it.

Noel, 29, played only 17 games last season for both the Detroit Pistons and the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged only 2.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.9 steals overall last season while playing only 11.5 minutes per game.

Getting Noel at a cheap deal for only one year is a great option for the Kings.

Noel’s signing likely means a Neemias Queta exit

While Noel is regarded as a good and cheap pick-up for the Kings, this signing does have some deeper meanings for Sacramento.

Noel’s signing likely means that the Sacramento Kings will be moving on from 7-foot center Neemias Queta, who dominated the G League the past year for the Stockton Kings and was a huge standout in the NBA Summer League before his foot injury.

Queta was offered a two-way contract from the Kings, but there was never any update on his signing. It appears that the deal has since been rescinded or Queta was not content being a two-way-only player.

You can’t blame Queta either. He has made some great improvements, and while there is still a learning curve coming his way in the NBA, he deserves a chance to get a shot in the NBA that sees him play more than the measly five games he appeared in last season.

After finishing second in G League MVP voting, there is nothing left for him to prove there. His next step is on a full roster spot – it just looks like it won’t be with Sacramento.

What Nerlens Noel brings to Sacramento

Pre-draft, pre-free agency, and all of last season, the Kings have needed two major things: a better option at the wing and a solid backup center. Both of these things further address the Kings’ need for defensive presence after immensely struggling last season in defensive efficiency, ranking 24th in the NBA.

The Kings acquired Sasha Vezenkov and traded for Pacers’ Chris Duarte, addressing the wing concern. They also re-signed Alex Len and have now signed Noel, addressing the center issue.

Noel is 6-foot-11 and will bring a rim protection aspect to the Kings that was lacking before. We likely won’t see Noel on the court with Sabonis much, but their presence together could lead to a deadly frontcourt duo.

At worst, Sacramento has another great option to compete with Alex Len in backing up Sabonis, who is rehabbing an injury right now and could even miss the start of the season.

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