ORLANDO -- Philadelphia 76ers rookie Nerlens Noel waited a year and a half for this moment, when he can finally showcase his skills as an NBA player,
The 6-foot-11 center made the wait all worthwhile as he performed admirably well in his NBA debut Saturday afternoon at the Orlando Pro Summer League at the Amway Center practice facility.
Although the Sixers went down against the host Orlando Magic, 83-77, Noel finished with a stellar 19 points in 18 minutes of action. He made 6-of-11 field goals with two rebounds and a block.
In his rookie season with the Kentucky Wildcats Noel tore his ACL last February 2013. He was supposed to be the No.1 pick of that year's NBA draft but because of the knee surgery required to heal his injured leg, he slipped down to No.6 and in the hands of the Sixers.
"I was nervous at the beginning, but I seem to play a little better when I'm anxious," Noel told reporters after his impressive start.
According to an ESPN report, the Sixers will diligently monitor Noel's minutes as the Summer League moves along.
In other Summer League action the Brooklyn Nets clipped the Indiana Pacers 101-81 while the Boston Celtics tripped the Miami Heat, 85-77. The Memphis Grizzlies were still playing the OKC Thunder as of press time. (JC)
Photo: Prized rookies Nerlens Noel of the Sixers (L) and Shabazz Napier of the Miami Heat prepare for action at the Summer League.
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