Nerlens Noel has brought an unceremonious end to a dubious season with the Dallas Mavericks.
Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania broke news of the center's suspension on Tuesday morning. The discipline comes on the heels of a failed drug test, believed to be the first of his career. Nevertheless, in conjunction with a disappointing season on the court, Noel's suspension is the straw that breaks the camel's back, all but ensuring he won't be back with the Mavericks next year.
Dallas' Nerlens Noel and Utah's Thabo Sefolosha have both been suspended five games each by NBA for violating anti-drug program.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2018
Noel's season done
The five-game suspension he received was reportedly the result of a positive test for marijuana.
While the drug isn't illegal in every state anymore (though it is in Texas), it's still against the league's bylaws to use it. Since Dallas has just games remaining in their season, the suspension ends the year for Noel.
At least Noel can take some comfort in knowing he wasn't the only one suspended: Thabo Sefolosha of the Utah Jazz received the same punishment, though he's been out since January with a knee injury, postponing his punishment.
In addition to this off-the-court problem, Noel has been a problem on the court for a Dallas team destined for the NBA Draft lottery once again. Thumb surgery kept him out for a while, but so did coach Rick Carlislie. In 30 appearances, he averaged just 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game.
In all likelihood, he's already played his final game as a member of the Mavericks organization.
Nerlens Noel's tenure with the Mavericks didn't go as anyone hoped, but at least he went out on a high note.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 3, 2018
Noel's free agency outlook
Noel's foray into free agency last year didn't come without controversy.
He reportedly turned down a deal that would've paid him $17.5 million annually over four years. He then signed a one-year qualifying offer with Dallas, which was worth just $4.1 million. It turned out to be a big bet on himself, and one that has backfired enormously.
Noel will be just 24 years old when the 2018-19 season begins, providing plenty of potential for his future.
His performance on the court in Dallas, however, suggests that the NBA is passing him by. The Boston Celtics would reportedly be interested, but that came before this suspension. He supposedly doesn't work hard, and he not so supposedly can't shoot a lick. That doesn't work in today's NBA.
He had the potential to be one of the top centers on the open market this summer. After the season-ending suspension, however, Noel will have his work cut out for him when he enters free agency after the season.
