Nerlens Noel selected No. 6 by Pelicans, then reportedly traded to 76ers

Nerlens Noel was a presence in the paint for Kentucky last season. (Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Nerlens Noel with the sixth pick in the NBA draft on Thursday and then reportedly traded him to the Sixers. Here's a look at Noel.

Bio: Kentucky freshman center

Vitals: 7-0, 206 pounds

2012-13 Statistics: 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 blocks, 2.1 steals, 59 percent shooting in 24 games.

Strengths: Noel, who will miss the start of his rookie season while recovering from ACL surgery in February, could have an immediate impact on the defensive end. He's an explosive athlete who runs the floor well and proved to be a prolific shot blocker at Kentucky.

Weaknesses: Noel has acknowledged that his offensive development lags behind his defensive ability. He also needs to bulk up in order to withstand the pounding he'll take in the paint over an 82-game season.

What Scouts Say: "He’s a game-changer at the defensive end, but I don’t ever see him being a 16-plus-a-night scorer. But Tyson Chandler was the second-best player on a title-winning team [with Dallas in 2011], and he can’t score either."