Again...
I don't like Noel.
I really don't care if he loves Boston. I don't care if he can block shots.
If anyone can fix Noel, its Stevens, but I'm convinced Stevens only needs players that can do certain things well.
1) Defend
2) Space the floor
3) Be able to pass or score within the flow of the offense
4) Be a team player
Clearly Noel can check mark certain key aspects, but.. I'm worried about a big man that can't shoot, doesn't hit the free throw line as much, and with the declining FTA impetus on our team as is, even more worrisome about bringing someone in that does just as bad in that area too.
Steals/blocks are a good indication of great defense, but maybe its just me, but I would rather go after Cousins, since I'm pretty sure the Blazers would max out someone like Noel.
Noel is a great player; if he was getting paid 12-14 million. Getting the max is clearly a no-no, and would definitely negate the ability to go after other max players, so no thank you.
Unlike Okafor or Embiid, Noel has always been a good professional team locker type of guy, so I definitely appreciate something like that. I think he would pair up with Horford, but I'm convinced we should go after Cousins hard.
I think a big man rotation of Cousins/Horford would honestly be impossible to really stop.