The NBA world has reached quiet point, with the start of training camps still a few weeks away. However, there are a few notable trade rumors floating around as well as questions surrounding the health of a few stars. Here are the latest NBA rumors you need to know from around the Association.
76ers Leaning Toward Dealing Noel?
At some point, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to need to trade a big man. They simply can't keep Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid. Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that he thinks Noel is the more likely to be dealt.
This is so tricky, just like predicting the NFL schedule. It is going to take time to see who plays well with whom. Will Okafor’s offensive game make him more attractive to teams than Nerlens Noel, who thrives as a defender? Which one of them will play better with Embiid? And that’s not even approaching the subject of Embiid’s health. If I have to give an answer, I’ll predict Noel gets moved before the season is over.
Okafor and Noel have been the two players most linked to a trade. Given Embiid's constant injuries, it makes sense he hasn't been linked to much so far. Several teams have been linked to Nole and/or Okafor, and there will be a market for them.
Will John Wall Be Ready For Season Opener?
The Wizards' playoff hopes are tied to the health of star point guard John Wall. That's likely a major reason why they aren't rushing him back from his rehab from offseason knee surgery.
"We're in no rush," head coach Scott Brooks told CSN Mid-Atlantic. "We want to make sure that he's ready. It's a process. We still have all of training camp. We'll see. We're going to keep working, keep pushing him. The one thing about John. He puts the work in."
The Wizards start the season on Oct. 27th, but there is no guarantee that Wall will be ready by then. The Wizards need Wall healthy for the bulk of the season, not necessarily for the first few games.
When Will Bosh Be Back?
Just a few days ago, Chris Bosh said he's ready to play and is recovered from his second bout with blood clots. However, teammate Udonis Haslem told the Miami Sun-Sentinel that there needs to be some tempering of expectations.
"Chris' timetable is just a little bit different than everybody else's," Haslem said. "So we have to be mindful. We have to be conscious of the things that are important. And the thing that is most important is that when Chris needs to be ready, that he's ready."
Haslem did say that he expects Bosh to be at training camp for the Heat, although he's not sure when exactly Bosh will be back. Bosh has had two straight seasons cut short by blood clots.
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