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Center Nerlens Noel expected to be ready by Christmas

Nerlens Noel expects to be ready by Christmas after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Nerlens Noel would help jump-start the Cavs' effort to improve one of the NBA's worst defenses. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Kentucky center and top NBA draft prospect Nerlens Noel is expected to be ready to play by Christmas, reports Keith Langlois on Twitter.

Noel tore his ACL in his left knee in February and underwent surgery in March. The freshman decided to declare for the NBA Draft and is expected to be a top pick. Noel was named SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and received first-team honors from the Associated Press. Before the injury, Noel was averaging 10.5 points, 4.4 blocks and 9.5 rebounds per game.

If Noel did make his debut on Christmas Day, it would mean that he would miss approximately seven to eight weeks of the season.

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