I liked him better than the other bigs, except for Horford. The fact that Toronto plugged him into the starting 5 at the 4 says something.
But he has serious foot problems that could be chronic. I read that McHale had a similar problem, and it cost him a chunk of his career. I thought Ainge made a mistake not keeping him, but maybe he knew something. I don't know if I would trust his soundness even if he came back. Too risky.
Frankly, I think Ainge is nuts if he doesn't go after Noel when he's ready to play again. He should give up anything except his core players for him. Core= Horford, IT, Crowder, Bradley and Smart. Those Nets picks are diminishing in value every day. Can't see Philly getting much for him as a contract player. Besides, Celtics have the inside track on re-signing him being a local kid who wants to play in Boston.
I'm beginning to believe all the talk that Danny drives too hard a bargain in trade talks.