Mavs president: 'Nerlens is really a Tyson Chandler starter kit'

The Dallas Mavericks have the future all mapped out for newly acquired center Nerlens Noel.

Dallas envisions Noel as the heir apparent to the throne vacated by Tyson Chandler, so much so that Mavs president Donnie Nelson drew a direct comparison between the two centers.

"Nerlens is really a Tyson Chandler starter kit. I think that's going to work really well for us," Nelson said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Both Chandler and Noel fit a similar profile: they're hyperathletic centers who serve narrow roles on offense but can dominate on defense.

Noel isn't a threat to score outside of lobs around the basket, but he's an excellent finisher at the basket and can influence the defense with his movement. Chandler made a career out of rolling to the hoop.

The comparison also extends to the defensive side of the ball. Noel is an excellent shot blocker, swatting 1.7 shots per game in his career. He is an intimidating presence at the hoop much like Chandler was.

Dallas made a mistake letting Chandler walk following their championship run in 2011. They've spent every summer since chasing centers who could fill his void, and in Noel they've found his clone.