When Nerlens Noel was choosing where he was going to continue his NBA career, it had to be the right choice.

Jerami Grant, who used to be teammates with Noel back when they were both on the Philadelphia 76ers, helped him make his choice.

Grant’s influence for Noel came in the form of capitalizing on an opportunity that the Thunder gave him.

“It was just clear as day how comfortable he looked in the offense,” Noel said. “Defensively getting up and down, playing the right way, that complimented his game to where he could help the whole team out.”

After talking with the Thunder, Noel felt that it was a good opportunity for him to showcase his abilities as a player.

“These coaches are definitely giving me the opportunity to go out there and showcase my abilities playing the right way, playing within myself as a high-motor five man that can get up and down and do a lot of different things on the court,” Noel said.

Oklahoma City was in need of a backup center that fits the mold of what Noel brings to the table last season.

Their backup frontcourt consisted of Patrick Patterson and Grant last season, neither of whom brings the size of a regular center like Noel.

It’s important to have another big man like Noel to turn to throughout games to do the dirty work inside, especially if Steven Adams were to be in foul trouble or miss time due to an injury.

Now, it’s up to Noel to capitalize on the opportunity.