Nerlens Noel Injury: Updates on 76ers Star's Knee and Return

Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel was out with patellar tendonitis in his right knee against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 10. However, he has been cleared to return to the court. 

Continue for updates.

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Noel Active vs. Pelicans

Friday, Feb. 19

The 76ers announced Noel will play against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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Noel Developing as Key Piece to 76ers

After missing the entire 2013-14 season due to a torn ACL, Noel seemed to have put the injury troubles behind him after appearing in 75 games in 2014-15 and in most of his team's games this season after overcoming an elbow to the eye earlier in 2015.

In his second season in the league, Noel is developing into a solid two-way player, especially on the defensive end. His ability to defend the rim has been on the upswing as the 76ers are slowly improving after a horrific 1-30 start. 

Even he is seeing an improvement in his play, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey. 

"I can't even remember any [shot-blocking] stretches like this last year," Noel said. "I'm just feeling good right now. I have been having good habits and just staying confident mentally."

Don't forget his ability to finish at the rim, as Bleacher Report shows:

In a year that has been filled with talks of transitioning toward the future and getting away from subpar basketball, Noel's return is too little, too late for the Sixers.

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.