La Liga powerhouse signs the former Rockets Second Team backcourt core. Can he gain a foothold in the European arena?

According to European basketball media Chema de Lucas, former NBA player Markquis Nowell, who was previously in free agency, has completed the signing with La Liga powerhouse Baskonia.

Noel was born in December 1999 and is 25 years old, 170cm tall and weighs 73kg. He is the undraft in the 2023 NBA Draft. Noel made it easier for the Toronto Raptors to sign a two-way contract after the draft, which also shows that his abilities and his performance in the NCAA are widely recognized. However, in his rookie season, Noel only played once in the NBA, with only 3 minutes and 31 seconds of playing time. During this period, he did not make a shot and scored 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal by free throw. In March 2024, the Raptors chose to cut Noel, and he has never returned to the NBA again.

Noel signed with the Houston Rockets last summer. He received a training camp contract with Exhibit 10 from the Rockets. He also participated in the Rockets' training camp and preseason games, but in the end he still did not get the chance to stay. He was also cut by the team before the start of the regular season and joined the Rockets' NBA Development League team Rio Grand Canyon Vipers. In the NBA Development League last season, Noel made a total of 49 appearances, averaging 30.9 minutes per game, averaging 16.1 points, 3 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 3.5 turnovers and 2.3 fouls. His shooting percentage was 41.1%, three-point shooting percentage was 37.5%, and free throw shooting percentage was 78.7%. Previously, Noel also represented the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Summer League, and his performance during the Summer League was also very unsatisfactory.

Noel's performance last season was quite average. He showed certain scoring ability and shooting ability. He has excellent passing ability and organizational ability. His personal defense ability on the defensive end is also good. However, Noel's disadvantage in body shape is too obvious. His main threat on the offensive end comes from mid- and long-distance shooting, and he is also restricted by his figure on the defensive end and cannot provide more support to the team. Noel's arrival also cannot help the team improve its record. The Rio Grand Canyon Viper was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, and Noel's performance in the playoffs was also a terrible level.

It is estimated that Noel himself also felt that it would be difficult for him to appear in the NBA. In addition, he is almost 26 years old, so he also needs to get a stable contract. In this case, he chose to switch to the European arena and joined the strong Baskenia, which is also a very good choice. I don’t know what kind of performance Noel can perform in the European arena in the new season. If he can make a breakthrough in La Liga and Champions League, he may also attract the attention of some NBA teams and return to the NBA arena?