I wouldn’t bet on seeing Nerlens Noel play one minute this season, but there’s nothing wrong with him being an optimist.
Noel, who hasn’t played a minute while rehabbing his knee, said Monday that there’s a chance he could see some action later this season.
“There’s a possibility,” Noel told SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“We’re just taking our time with it, being cautious with things,” Noel said. “I’m definitely worried about my health, but regards to the whole season, that decision hasn’t been made up. I still have to meet up with my doctors — Dr. [James] Andrews and Dr. Kevin Wilk — and come to a conclusion with that.”
The 76ers for all intents and purposes, don’t need Noel to do anything this season but get healthy, stronger, and improve his overall game.
Coach Brett Brown said he’s happy with Noel’s progress, but made it clear that Noel won’t play a minute this season.
“I think he’s doing fine,” Sixers coach Brett Brown told the Philadelphia Daily News. “I think his spirits are fine, I think his body, physically, continues to develop and look good. He likes wearing those tight shirts, and I’m proud of him. If I had a body like that, I’d do the same. Physically, he’s coming around and buying into it. His shot is continuing to develop. We’ve kept a real simple plan and a consistent plan.”