Thursday, January 16, 2014

Sixers' Noel closer to playing

PHILADELPHIA - The Sixers hace confirmed injured No. 6 overall draft pick Nerlens Noel can now participate in limited on-court work.

Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement Wednesday night that Noel must still meet several benchmarks as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL he suffered playing for Kentucky, but the team has been impressed by the center's "capacity for work both in his rehab and in our weight room."

"Our sports performance and training staff have been extremely complimentary of his efforts thus far during this methodical rehab process," Hinkie said.

Hunkie said some restrictions were lifted after "careful consideration and numerous discussions with our medical and performance teams, the consulting physician and rehabilitation staff, and Nerlens' representatives."

Noel averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 blocks and 2.1 steals per game in his only season at Kentucky and was a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick before suffering his knee injury.

He was drafted by New Orleans and traded to the Sixers for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday in a deal agreed to on the night of the draft.

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