Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel will likely sit out the rest of the 2013-14 season to give plenty of time rehabilitating from a torn ACL injury, head coach Brett Brown said on Monday.

The 19-year old Noel was projected to be the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but his injury scared off lottery team to pick him in the top-5.

The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Noel at sixth overall pock and then shipped him that night to the 76ers in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday.

Manny basketball analysts viewed the 7-foot Noel as the finest defensive big man to come out of college in recent years. In fact, in only his first season with the Kentucky, Noel averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 points and 4.4 blocks per game.

Noel's absence won't really hurt the 76ers's cause as the franchise will likely play the entire 2013-14 season with no hopes of advancing to the playoffs. The team is considered as one of several teams expected to tank this year for a chance to land once-in-generation star Andrew Wiggins next summer.

"Philly coach Brett Brown indicates rookie Nerlens Noel may not play this season," said Brown in an interview with The Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer.