Injured Nocioni won't play at the Worlds, Sixers confirm

There already was some doubt whether the 76ers' Andres Nocioni could play for his native Argentina in the FIBA World Championships. Now, after trying to come back from a left ankle sprain suffered July 31, the rugged 6-7 forward is out.

Sixers president Rod Thorn confirmed the news last night after Dr. Jack McPhilemy, team orthopedist and medical director, viewed Nocioni's most recent MRI report.

"Dr. McPhilemy didn't like what he saw, and felt Andres should not play or put a lot of impact on the ankle," Thorn said. "Andres wants to play and feels very close to his country, but, in this case, it's just not prudent for him to play."

Nocioni did not play Monday in the Argentines' final "friendly," a 93-89 overtime victory over Turkey. Thorn was uncertain whether he would be ready for training camp in early October.

Argentina plays its first tournament game Saturday against Germany.

Nocioni was acquired with Spencer Hawes from Sacramento in the June trade for Samuel Dalembert.

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