(USA Today)

NEW YORK – 76ers rookie Nerlens Noel said “there’s a possibility” he could play this season.

In an interview Monday for the NBA channel on SiriusXM Radio, Noel said no decision has been made regarding his availability this season. Noel has been viewed as a longshot to play while rehabbing the torn ACL in his left knee that he incurred in February 2013 as a freshman at Kentucky. Sixers coach Brett Brown has said that he looks at this season as an opportunity to reconstruct the mechanics on Noel’s shot.

As for missing the whole season, Noel said “that hasn’t been really said.”

“We’re just taking our time with it, being cautious with things,” Noel said in the radio interview. “I’m definitely worried about my health, but as (in) regards to the whole season, you know, that decision hasn’t been made up. I still have to meet up with my doctors – Dr. (James) Andrews, Dr. Kevin Wilk – and come to a conclusion with that.”

So there’s a possibility he might play for the Sixers?

“There’s a possibility,” Noel said.

Noel, 19, has not spoken to reporters since the team’s Oct. 1 media day. Reporters have been told Noel is unavailable for interview requests until he’s cleared to participate in 5-on-5 practices.

The Sixers (7-18) visit the Brooklyn Nets (8-15) Monday night.