76ers' Nerlens Noel: Will undergo minor knee procedure

The 76ers announced Friday that Noel (groin) will undergo a "minor surgical procedure" on his left knee in the coming days.

Analysis:

Noel has been sidelined for nearly all of training camp due to a left groin strain, and during a recent evaluation, it was determined he also was dealing with a sore knee. The procedure shouldn't require an especially long recovery timetable, but it will officially keep Noel sidelined for the start of the regular season, and his lack of activity over the last month means he'll presumably have to go through an extensive conditioning regimen once he's cleared to practice again. Given Noel's poor health and the fact that he'll likely occupy a reserve role when he eventually returns, it's difficult to justify drafting in him in most shallow or mid-sized formats. His potentially extended absence will open up more frontcourt minutes off the bench for Jerami Grant and Richaun Holmes.