2013 NBA Draft: Nerlens Noel To Meet With Washingon Wizards; Stock Falling?
By Bryan Rose
When you’re projected to be the first overall selection in the NBA Draft, you don’t really do much “meeting” with other teams. However, the 2013 NBA Draft isn’t like most where there is a consensus number one pick, something the agent of Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel knows.
Because of that, Noel, who’s coming off an ACL injury, will meet this Saturday with the Washington Wizards who hold the third selection in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Per Michael Lee of the Washington Post:
"Kentucky freshman center Nerlens Noel, the projected favorite to go No. 1 in the NBA draft, will meet with the Wizards on Saturday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation."
Noel has already met with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic, two teams that at least according to the rumor mill, aren’t exactly thrilled with the available prospects as they’ve held discussions about trading down.
It’s hard to imagine Noel, who despite not being viewed by NBA brain trusts as a franchise player, slipping to the third pick but his ACL injury and lack of body mass has some NBA scouts and general managers concerned:
"But several scouts and executive have speculated that Noel could also slide. During the NBA combine in Chicago last month, Noel weighed in at 206 pounds and he is also recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, raising concerns about his durability and strength inside."