Nerlens Noel has been hearing for months that he is the best player in the NBA Draft. NBA analysts, draft experts, team general managers are all singing the praises of the former Kentucky star. As the Draft finally arrives on Thursday night, Noel gives the media one final interview before learning whether he really is the top player.
While no team is doubting Noel's playing ability, many are doubting his overall health. The 6-11 big man tore his ACL mid-way through Kentucky's season last year and has been recovering from surgery to repair the torn ligament. He has yet to be able to give a full workout for a team and might not be ready to start the season in October. College basketball analyst Jay Bilas believes that teams will consider all questions still surrounding Noel.
"We're talking about a No. 1 pick who's a defensive savant, but he can't score and is injured. Offensively, he has a long way to go. He scores off activity level, not skill level. And we can't forget he's hurt. We're not talking about a sprained ankle, you'd be drafting a guy who just tore his ACL. No one said, 'I don't think Greg Oden will pan out.' This is more unusual. For a top draft pick, he raises a lot of questions," Bilas said.
There is one person that is absolutely certain Noel is the best, Kentuck head coach John Calipari. The former coach of Noel believes that teams will regret passing up on the center. Calipari truly believes that Noel will help any team win, saying he is one of the best players he has coached.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be first up on the draft board Thursday. NBA sources report they have narrowed their options down to either Noel or Maryland's Alex Len. The Cavaliers were attempting at one point to organize a trade and give up the top pick, but it now looks likely they will use it and draft another rookie.
Cleveland has had two trade packages denied, but would certainly not turn one down if the right opportunity presented itself. They are leaving every prospect in the dark about what they are looking to do. Both Len and Noel have said Cleveland has not spoken to them about their decision. Owner Dan Gilbert is still holding out hopes for that blockbuster move.