Could Nerlens Noel join Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the Charlotte Hornets?

Jan 15, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) practices before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 75-65. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

We are still a couple of weeks before the NBA Draft, but could the latest projections have former Kentucky Wildcat Nerlens Noel on a downward path? Lots of things can happen, but it appears that Noel’s knee injury may be scaring some teams away.

"This executive, speaking on condition of anonymity because he’s not authorized to give pre-draft interviews, predicts the first three picks will be some order of Nevada-Las Vegas forward Anthony Bennett, Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore and Georgetown forward Otto Porter, Jr. That means the Bobcats might have access to Noel, a shotblocker who suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament during his only college season. Noel can’t work out for teams leading up to the draft. He said at the draft combine in Chicago last month that he likely wouldn’t be ready to play before late December or January. Why is Noel no longer a top-three lock? Uncertainty, the source said, related to the knee injury. He hasn’t signed with an agent, which has made it more difficult to gather information on his rehabilitation. Some teams might be skittish about using such a high pick on him."

I still am holding out hope that Orlando picks Noel at number two, but a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Nerlens Noel pairing could make the Hornets the BBN’s new favorite team.  If it happens, the Hornets’s PR brass better start working up some package deals from Lexington right away.

The Harrison twins have warranted a ton of buzz since committing to Kentucky, but as the season gets closer it’s time to judge the possible impact of the two. The Sporting News lists Andrew Harrison as one of the top ten PG’s in college basketball. I’m not sure if this is a true positional ranking, but Harrison is number two.  Here is what TSN had to say:

"It would be disingenuous to ignore the buzz that Harrison and his brother might be difficult teammates, but it would be downright foolish to ignore that coach John Calipari has resolved far more difficult circumstances. (He got DeMarcus Cousins to focus on winning. Any questions?) Harrison is an elite talent who’ll be surrounded by elite talent. One of the few real questions in where to rank him is how much of the glory will be directed his way."

It should be noted however that Aaron Harrison is not listed as one of the top ten shooting guards in college basketball. Before you get all medieval on Twitter, note that the list is done by Mike DeCourcy, who is one of the most unbiased college writers. And DeCourcy does give Harrison a shout out and says that he is perhaps Kentucky’s most important player.

Curious as to what players will join Karl Towns Jr in the 2014 class? 24/7’s Jerry Vaughn has made some predictions and he thinks that Cliff Alexander, Raashad Vaughn, and Emmanuel Mudiay will all be Wildcats. Check out a ton of recruiting experts, including our own Josh Kays in the 24/7 Crystal Ball segment.