Three free agent big men the Wizards can sign right now

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Nerlens Noel

The injuries have taken a toll on Nerlens Noel and he may no longer be in his prime. However, he is still only 29 years old.

The Kentucky product was never able to live up to the hype he was drafted with in the 2013 NBA Draft as he bounced around the league, having last played for the Brooklyn Nets last year. Yet, in his prime, Noel was an excellent shot blocker with fantastic defensive instincts and mobility. He could move his feet out on the perimeter, protect the rim, and make plays as a help defender. He was an active, engaged, and impactful defender.

He is probably not at the same level right now, but he is also likely better than the options the Wizards are currently using at center. Noel is a legit 6’11 center with an impressive wingspan. He could make a difference in limited minutes just with his length and defensive awareness.

Is Noel going to change the destiny of the Washington Wizards this season? No. But, he can give them the size and interior presence that they desperately need. For 15 to 20 minutes per game, Washington could resemble a respectable NBA defense. If Noel performs well, he is still young enough that the Wizards can choose to re-sign him to a longer deal later and use him as a trade asset.

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