Nerlens Noel, prized draft pick and owner of the most phenomenal flat-top haircut in Philadelphia since Will Smith was roaming those playgrounds he spent most of his days on, may sit for the entire 2013-14 season. First year coach Brett Brown said before the Sixers preseason game against Cleveland on Monday that there is a chance Noel won’t see the court this season.
"I doubt, everybody doubts that he's going to play this year," said Brown.
Noel tore his ACL in his left knee last season on February 12, while playing for the University of Kentucky. While the recovery timetable was initially 6-8 months, it appears the Sixers may take a more cautious approach with the number 7 overall pick in this year’s draft.
With the extreme likelihood that this season will be a rebuilding year for the Sixers, it is a wise decision to let Noel make his way back slowly. After trading All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday for Noel and a 2014 first-round draft pick, the Sixers would be sensible to do everything they can to protect an important asset as they move forward with the team overhaul under Brown and new GM Sam Hinkie.
So be calm fans, Noel sitting out the year could be in the best interest of the franchise and the player moving forward, as it is very likely to improve the Sixers draft lottery chances.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
Noel tore his ACL in his left knee last season on February 12, while playing for the University of Kentucky. While the recovery timetable was initially 6-8 months, it appears the Sixers may take a more cautious approach with the number 7 overall pick in this year’s draft.
With the extreme likelihood that this season will be a rebuilding year for the Sixers, it is a wise decision to let Noel make his way back slowly. After trading All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday for Noel and a 2014 first-round draft pick, the Sixers would be sensible to do everything they can to protect an important asset as they move forward with the team overhaul under Brown and new GM Sam Hinkie.
So be calm fans, Noel sitting out the year could be in the best interest of the franchise and the player moving forward, as it is very likely to improve the Sixers draft lottery chances.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat