NEW ORLEANS, LA – With his return to live game action seemingly imminent, Nerlens Noel is moving forward with anticipation, and a hopeful outlook.Not only was he deemed healthy enough to fly down to New Orleans Wednesday afternoon to meet up with the 76ers in the midst of their three-game road trip, but Thursday morning, the third-year center participated in scripted portions of the team's shootaround at Smoothie King Center. Back at the arena later in the day, prior to the Sixers' 99-88 win over the Pelicans, Noel confirmed what recent signs have suggested. He “feels good,” and he believes he's in the right frame of mind. “I'm only getting better and better,” said Noel, who underwent elective surgery on his left knee October 25th. “I'm in better shape, a better mental place to come back and play basketball at a high level.”In addition to being cleared to do more in a shootaround setting, Noel also progressed Thursday to another first. Roughly 40 minutes before tip-off, he went through a series of on-court training exercises with the Sixers' strength and conditioning staff. That hadn't previously happened on a game night since his procedure. For about 20 minutes or so, Noel put up shots from various spots on the floor, including the low-post and elbows. He practiced driving to the basket, and throwing down dunks as well. Don't think we've seen this since injuries – Noel doing game day training. Not playing tonight; he, Brown optimistic return is soon. pic.twitter.com/MSlrwCk7FR— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) December 9, 2016 “It's always an excitement to be able to play basketball after this amount of time,” said Noel. He appeared in just one pre-season outing, the Sixers' opener on October 4th, before a groin problem put him on the shelf indefinitely. Then came the knee issue. “I've been really looking forward to this,” he said. “I think I've gained some momentum coming back from this minor surgery.”Speaking publicly at various points since the off-season came to an end, Noel has acknowledged the realities of the Sixers' frontcourt rotation. Several young big men, Noel included, will all be vying for playing time, when the center position is at full strength. Thursday, Noel's chief concern appeared to be adhering to all the necessary steps of his rehab protocol so that he could get back in uniform as quickly as possible.”I love the game of basketball, so when I step out there to come and play, it just brings a lot of enjoyment and excitement to me,” said Noel. “I love the game, and I'm happy to just be playing.”He is also confident that a potential frontline pairing consisting of himself and Joel Embiid could work. “I think it'll be something that's experimented,” Noel said. “It'll definitely be interesting. “Joel, I feel like I definitely will be able to be on the court with him, just probably off of how well our chemistry is, and just our being friends. That definitely influences basketball itself, the games itself. Through that aspect, and him being able to pop, too.”In the 48 hours ahead, before the Sixers' next game, Noel plans to further concentrate his efforts on getting his wind back.As Brett Brown did earlier in the day at shootaround, Noel hinted during Thursday's pre-game media availability that he could be back as soon as Sunday's stop at The Palace of Auburn Hills.”I'm in a really good place, feeling good with my body,” he said. “Everything's on point.”
Don't think we've seen this since injuries – Noel doing game day training. Not playing tonight; he, Brown optimistic return is soon. pic.twitter.com/MSlrwCk7FR
