Report: Mavericks don't like Noel's work ethic
Nerlens Noel hasn't appeared in a game for the Dallas Mavericks since Nov. 22. He's not listed on the team's injury report, and all scratches have been DNP-CDs. The reason, sources told NBC 5 Dallas' Newy Scruggs, is that the Mavs don't view the big man as a hard worker.
Noel has been in an odd position with Dallas since being dealt from the 76ers at last season's trade deadline. As the summer market for restricted free agents dried up, he signed his qualifying offer for $4.1 million with the Mavericks. But what appeared to be a golden opportunity to showcase his talents ahead of unrestricted free agency next summer is quickly disappearing.
Head coach Rick Carlisle said last month Noel had to earn his minutes, something he clearly has yet to do. In the time he has seen the floor, the defensive specialist is averaging career lows in rebounds and blocks.
"Nerlens decided to bet on himself," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said in September, "and now we're in a position where, if everybody comes out ahead this coming season, he'll get paid, we'll be happy, and we'll go on with life."
At this rate, however, nothing appears to be helping his cause.
On Saturday, Noel appeared in the media room at the American Airlines Center to grab a hot dog at halftime of the Mavs' win over the Clippers. "I needed some energy for the second half," he said, according to SB Nation's Tim Cato, though he never played a minute.
Carlisle laughed it off, telling reporters: "I hear the hot dogs are pretty good."