Report: Nerlens Noel expected to miss 3-5 weeks after knee surgery

Injuries continue to haunt the Philadelphia 76ers.

Nerlens Noel is expected to miss three-to-five weeks after he undergoes knee surgery Monday to fix an inflamed plica above his left knee, sources told Keith Pompey of Philly.com.

Noel, who hasn't played since being diagnosed with a knee injury Oct. 6, will go under the knife for a 10-minute scoping procedure.

Having delivered some pointed critiques of Philadelphia's crowded frontcourt, Noel predicts impending changes to the Sixers' trio of young centers. Noel, for one, is certainly no stranger to trade rumors, and might even welcome being dealt away.

However, Noel's injury could complicate matters. Teams have until Oct. 31 to negotiate a rookie extension with Noel lest he becomes a restricted free agent next summer. His value would presumably be higher while the possibility of an extension exists, making his current injury particularly untimely.

The 22-year-old center averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game last season.