It wasn’t all that long ago when New York Knicks fans were waiting to learn whether or not Nerlens Noel would return to action during the 2021-22 season. After helping the Knicks secure a playoff berth the season before, Noel played in only 25 games to close out his stint in New York.
The Knicks traded Noel (and Alec Burks) to the Pistons a few days after the 2022 NBA Draft to clear up cap space to sign Jalen Brunson. Noel appeared in 14 games for Detroit and averaged 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game before he and the Pistons agreed to a buyout.