As the 2013 NBA Draft nears, several teams have expressed a bit of concern and are cautious in their approach to Kentucky forward/center Nerlens Noel, according to a league source.
As of now the source hasn't revealed how many teams, but has said it is to be more than one.
Teams are concerned about Noel's recovery from an ACL tear in his left leg back in February. Regardless of when he'll be drafted, the injury will keep him out until Christmas, at the earliest. Those factors aren't too promising to teams who have playoff aspirations in 2013-14.
Factor in that Noel fractured his growth plate in his left knee as a sophomore in high school, the risk becomes too great to draft a player who relies heavily on his athleticism and jumping ability, according to a story in the Louisville.
Noel was scheduled to visit with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently have the No.1 overall pick, on June 20. During the visit he'll be interviewed by the front office and coaching staff, and will also likely be examined by the Cav's medical staff, who will take a closer look at his knee.
If they are not sold on his prognosis, they could red flag his knee.
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