Nerlens Noel Return Uncertain, Philadelphia 76ers Still Excited About Kentucky Center

 Even as they admitted they aren’t exactly sure when he might be able to take the court, the Philadelphia 76ers couldn’t hide their overall excitement in simply having Nerlens Noel in the fold as they formally introduced him on Wednesday.  

The Sixers had to part ways with All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to gain the rights to Noel, but first-year GM Sam Hinkie is convinced the gamble will more than pay off by the time all is said and done.

"Rim protectors are at a real premium in our league right now. A real premium," Hinkie told USA Today Sports. "Athletic players have always been at a premium. Nerlens is both. Nerlens is a guy who brings it every possession he's on the floor, who is constantly trying to protect the rim as drivers attack and as a guy who we think will fit the style of play that we hope to play here in Philadelphia."

To the surprise of most, Noel slipped all the way to sixth pick in the 2013 NBA draft after widely being projected as the top pick. Before suffering a torn ACL midway thru his freshmen season at Kentucky, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and an NCAA-best 4.4. blocks.

Now he has the added motivation of his own rejection to further propel him in his NBA endeavors.

"It's something that's always going to be in the back of my mind," Noel said about his slide in the draft, "but it's nothing like a sour feeling. It's just more of a motivation thing. It's going to drive me to be the great player I want to be. Being here in Philadelphia, I'm just going to keep working hard and staying focused and it's something that'll just make the chip on my shoulder grow that much bigger, just push me."

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