NBA Draft Rumors: Magic To Draft Nerlens Noel If Available

February 12, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) shoots a free throw against the Florida Gators during the second half at the Stephen C. O

With all of the rumors surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers and the possibility of selecting Maryland center Alex Len instead of Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel, many have began to speculate about where Noel could fall and prominent ESPN analyst and former league executive Tom Penn,projected him to go fifth overall to the Phoenix Suns. 

However, ESPN’s Chad Ford does not think that is the case.

Ford, citing sources, says “that if the Cavs pass on Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel, the Magic are leaning strongly toward selecting him with the No. 2 pick in the draft. “

Noel seems like the obvious pick to make if doctors have already cleared him and he claims they have – for both Orlando and Cleveland.

Ford goes on to say the Magic “scouted Noel heavily during the season and have been doing exhaustive background work on Noel the past few months” and “the team believes that, with patience, Noel should end up being the best player in the draft.”

Noel, of course, tore his ACL back in February. Ford, again citing sources, claims “he wowed everyone despite the fact that he’s still months away from playing basketball because of a torn ACL. ”

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