For the only two reasons that now matter, Curtis Sumpter did not wear a brace on his twice-rebuilt left knee Monday when he worked out for the 76ers at the PCOM Center.

One reason was that the pain was gone — as was any limp, and any compromise of the skills he showed at Villanova, those now making him an NBA prospect.

That meant that the other reason he'd worn knee protection at Villanova had worked.

That meant his prayers had been answered.