Joakim Noah’s challenging first year in New York is likely over. The Knicks center is expected to undergo season-ending arthroscopic knee surgery, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.
Joakim Noah injury could sideline Knicks center for rest of NBA season
His disappointing first year in New York might end early.
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The Knicks announced that Noah would be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks, so there is still a chance he will return by the very end of the year.
Noah has battled nagging injuries throughout his tenure in New York — and really, every year since his banner 2013-14 campaign. He has not played since Feb. 4 due to a hamstring injury and only played more than 21 minutes once in the previous 10 games. He missed 53 games last year due to shoulder surgery and 15 the year before as a member of the Bulls.
When he has played, Noah has been a shell of the player he was in that magical 2013-14 season, when he finished fourth in MVP voting. The Knicks signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract this summer hoping he could inject some defensive leadership and energy into the team.
Instead, Noah is averaging just five points and nine rebounds per game in 22 minutes. He’s lost minutes to backups Kyle O’Quinn and Willy Hernangomez, both of whom have been much more productive per minute. Defense was supposed to be Noah’s calling card, but the Knicks have surrendered nearly four more points per 100 possessions with him in the game.
At 32 and with years of injuries on his body, it’s unclear if Noah has a resurgence left in him.
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