Nerlens Noel: (Knee) Unlikely To Make Debut This Season

Noel (knee) claims to have increased his vertical jump by three inches due to all the work he's put in during his rehab from ACL surgery last year, but he does not anticipate being cleared to play in any of the Sixers' final five games, the Bucks County Courier Times reports. He also told reporters that he is 100 percent healthy.

Analysis:

Noel even revealed Tuesday that the "4-4-14" tweet he sent out about a month ago was a personal goal he was aiming at to make his debut, but that date has come and gone with Noel still unlikely to play this season. He continues to be considered raw offensively, but the fact that his athleticism has climbed to even loftier heights is encouraging. Noel is projected to be an impact fantasy player as a rookie next season based solely on the contributions he should make on the defensive end with potential elite block, steal, and rebound numbers. The Sixers plan on having him play in both the Orlando and Las Vegas summer leagues.