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New York Knicks: 5 reasons Joakim Noah can bounce back in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 17, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 17: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 17, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 06: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks reacts to an officials call during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 6, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 06: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks reacts to an officials call during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 6, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

5. Less Pressure

Outside of Carmelo Anthony, one could argue that no player faced more pressure in 2016-17 than Joakim Noah. The New York Knicks signed Noah to a four-year deal worth $72 million, which was perceived as one of the biggest overpays of the summer.

Although the contract is still a burden on the payroll, Noah will face significantly less pressure during a rebuilding season than he did in 2016-17.

In 2016-17, the Knicks were viewed as a fringe postseason contender with a decent shot at securing the No. 8 seed. There were roster flaws that needed to be acknowledged, but the presence of respected veterans offered an undeniable reason for optimism.

Come 2017-18, the Knicks will focus more on developing their core than securing victories—the perfect environment for Noah to thrive in.

Noah will be asked to lead, but in the way he was required to in 2017-18. Rather than anchoring a postseason-caliber defense, he’ll be asked to help the coaching staff create an identity and mentor the younger players.

With more pressure to be a leader than an $18 million per season type of star, Noah could conceivably live up to tempered expectations.

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