Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel suffered a groin injury ahead of the 2016-17 regular season. It is unclear when he will be able to return to the court.
On Saturday, head coach Brett Brown told the media he does not believe Noel will be ready for the 76ers’ season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 26, per Tom Moore of Calkins Media.
Noel informed the team about the injury Oct. 6 and has not appeared in a preseason game since, according to Moore.
However, CSN Philly’s Marshall Harris tried to calm any panicking 76ers fans:
A year after Noel joined David Robinson as the only rookies in NBA history to average at least 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals per game during their inaugural campaigns, per Basketball-Reference.com, the big man maintained his status as one of the league’s most dynamic defenders.
In 67 appearances last season, Noel averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.8 steals to go with 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. However, a bone contusion in his knee as well as a few other minor ailments dogged him throughout the campaign.
Noel also sat out for the entire 2013-14 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in college.
This year, though, the Sixers hope their depth will make any potential absence more palatable, though fellow big man Jahlil Okafor hasn’t suited up in the preseason.
Joel Embiid, who missed the last two seasons with a foot injury, should continue to gobble up the lion’s share of the minutes at center.
However, with No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons also out with a foot injury, losing another young piece will further weaken the rebuilding 76ers moving forward.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
