Charlotte Hornets: 5 Under-the-radar free agents to target

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a lay up against Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets attempts a lay up against Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 11, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 26: Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks hangs on the net after a dunk in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2021 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 26: Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks hangs on the net after a dunk in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2021 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

Nerlens Noel can finally find a home in Charlotte

Nerlens Noel would be the perfect fit for the Charlotte Hornets. Following a season with the New York Knicks in which he found an expanded role due to injuries, Noel has proven he is a legitimate rim protector.

With Charlotte being a middle-of-the-road shot blocking team, Noel would help protect the rim with an average of 2.2 blocks per game this past season with the Knicks.

Noel also represents a lob threat through the pick and roll game as there are very few in the game that can match his height and athleticism at the center position.

Coming to Charlotte would open the door for an expanded role with a pass-first point guard that could help Noel thrive. If he can build on his post-scoring game, Noel could become a top big in the NBA and fill the void Charlotte was missing at the rim this past season.