Sixers Center Nerlens Noel Expected to Miss the Entire Season - East Idaho News
Sports

Sixers Center Nerlens Noel Expected to Miss the Entire Season

  Published at

Getty Nerlens Noel?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1382453265660Andy Lyons/Getty Images(PHILADELPHIA) — The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t had good luck with their big men lately. According to head coach Brett Brown, center Nerlens Noel is expected to miss the entire 2013-2014 season as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last year at Kentucky.

Back in March, Noel tore the ACL in his left knee, and was expected to be back around Christmas time.

“I doubt, everybody doubts that he’s going to play this year,” Brown said. “We don’t want to waste this year. I think from a skill perspective, it’s an opportunity for us to break down his shot, really work on his free throws and start a little bit from ground zero.”

Despite concerns over his knee, the Sixers traded All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans on draft night for the rights to Noel.

Prior to the draft, Noel was considered the best prospect in the draft, but slid because of concerns about his knee.

Noel had a brief but successful career at Kentucky as he distinguished himself as one of the best defensive players in the country. In 24 games as a freshman at Kentucky, Noel averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.4 blocks per game.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION