Report: Noel sent to D-League for rehab assignment

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor  

The Philadelphia 76ers host the Sacramento Kings tonight with Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor set to take the court together during the game. Meanwhile, Nerlens Noel is still trying to get back on the court in general and it seems like he's headed in the right direction. Noel will head to the D-League and complete a rehab assignment with the Sevens.

Noel injured his groin during the Sixers' first preseason game against Boston and has not played since. During recovery from his groin issue, Nerlens was dealing with a another problem that ended up being an inflamed plica above his right knee. He opted to have a minor, elective surgery to repair that and went to Alabama to rehab for a few weeks with the same team that helped him during his ACL recovery. 

Once Noel is healthy, the Sixers already crowded front court gets even more tight. Joel Embiid will continue to be on a 24-minute restriction until at least Christmas while Jahlil Okafor serves as the primary back-up. Noel will have to earn his minutes, according to Brett Brown. There is also Richaun Holmes, but they seem okay sitting him without playing. At some point, sending Holmes to the D-League may make more sense.

Noel, 22, averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season for the Sixers. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Go to top button