Although the OKC Thunder season was a disappointment as a whole, it would be unrealistic to say there were no bright spots. The addition of back-up center Nerlens Noel qualifies as one of those few positive marks.
His presence was vital for the Thunder for the majority of the season, his energy and shot blocking prowess were key components of Oklahoma City’s underwhelming bench. Case in point, Noel recorded the second most blocks on the Thunder with 96 and the third most off the bench in the NBA at 90.
*The variation in Noel’s blocks accounts for the two games he started this season.