National Basketball Association

Noel needs surgery, Brown more cautious on Simmons

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia 76ers say forward Nerlens Noel will need surgery on his left knee, the latest in a long line of injuries for a team that is trying to turn things around.

The Sixers announced Friday that Noel elected to have surgery after consulting with several specialists. Noel missed his entire rookie season while recovering from surgery on his left knee, but this latest procedure is arthroscopic and considered to be minor. The Sixers have not announced a timetable for his return.

Coach Brett Brown also told reporters on Friday that he was tempering statements he made earlier hoping for a January return for No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons. Brown says he got overly excited when he talked about Simmons' recovery from surgery on his right foot.

The Sixers say Simmons recently had sutures removed and is continuing to rehab.