If Nerlens Noel reads into the rumors, he will be the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. Most experts believe he will be the best available player on June 27 when the Cleveland Cavaliers get ready to make their pick. But, if the NFL Draft taught athletes anything, it is that just because someone is projected as the top pick, does not mean that will be taken as the top pick. Noel is setting himself up with backup options, including a visit to the Washington Wizards.
Noel is preparing for a fall from the top by scheduling a visit to the Wizards' facility over the weekend. The team currently has the No. 3 overall pick. That might not be high enough to get Noel, but that is not stopping the team from trying. Noel did not meet with Wizards' officials during the NBA Draft combine because they were too low on the draft board, but now taking a more realistic approach to things and will meet with them just in case.
The only negative comments regarding Noel's professional outlook is the torn ACL he suffered while playing at the University of Kentucky. Noel is still rehabbing the injury and has yet to seriously workout for any teams. This has caused some draft boards to put Noel in the top 5, but not as the top overall player.
Noel is smart to take precautions. While the Cavaliers have said that if they select first, Noel is their top option, but they are also considering a trade for the top pick. The team is in a win-now mentality and bringing in another rookie, especially one coming off of injury, might not be the best option. They have explored options to give up the top draft pick for a more experienced player. That could leave Noel dropping from the draft boards.
Noel's agents are clearly seeing the writing on the wall and are preparing the star for all possible options. Players like Geno Smith or Dee Milliner would have benefited from something like this. Both players were projected as possible No. 1 draft picks with the NFL. Instead, Milliner fell out of the top five and Smith was not drafted until the second round. Both players have since fired their agents for misleading them.
Noel is still likely the top option for whatever team is drafting first. All scouting reports place him at the top, but preparing for any possible scenario will give him the best experience on draft day.
