After a couple of productive seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers at the start of his career, Nerlens Noel was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2017 and faded into relative obscurity due to injuries and by earning a place in Mavs coach Rick Carlisle's dog house. But at the start of free agency this summer, Noel quickly earned a new contract as the Thunder reportedly signed him to a two-year deal at the veteran's minimum.

So why did the Thunder target Noel in free agency even though was coming off the two worst years of his career? Well according to Noel, Paul George and Russell Westbrook really wanted him to come to Oklahoma City because they believe in his potential.

“(Westbrook and George) called the night of free agency when I was meeting with coach Billy (Donovan)," Noel said on Monday at his initial press conference with the Thunder. "They told me, let’s get it done and that we want to do special things this year. I definitely felt where they were coming from. I gave it a little thought and with as much love as they showed, it became an easy decision.”

Besides for being recruited by Westbrook and George, Noel also decided to come to Oklahoma City because he believes it's a great fit for both himself and the Thunder.

“I really think it’s a great opportunity," Noel said. "I think it’s a great fit for myself and the organization. It’s really been a great last few days, going to OKC, signing and just feeling very welcome from the whole organization. That means a lot.”

Noel is also excited to play for the Thunder because he already feels like the organization is already supporting him and he's never played for a playoff team before in his career.

"This is something I’ve been really wanting my whole life, just to be on a talented team that can really complement my skill set and really show what I’m really about and go out on the court and play my game with no hesitation," Noel said. "Coach Billy has given me the utmost confidence since I’ve been talking to him day by day. Just go out there and play your game. There’s nothing in it besides basketball and just being yourself. I felt really accepted."

"I’ve been just working all summer trying to get my mind right for whatever situation I come into," Noel added later. "Thank God it’s the OKC Thunder. They have a great group of guys from Westbrook to PG leading the team to all these young guys - Hami (Diallo), from Kentucky, (Terrance) Ferguson. Really great pieces that can come up that they already have. I’m really excited about it. It’s really a complete team that is really going to do some special things this year."