New York Knicks: A timeline of Joakim Noah’s tumultuous stint
With the New York Knicks set to part ways with Joakim Noah before training camp, let’s look back at the past two years.
On Friday, Stadium and The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported, the New York Knicks plan to part ways with Joakim Noah before training camp. Whether it’s a trade, buyout or waive-and-stretch, they want to end his two-year run with the organization.
That period, however, was nothing short of controversial.
Noah played in just 53 of a possible 164 games, with averages of 4.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2 assists in 19.9 minutes. This was marred with injuries and off-court controversy.
With the former Chicago Bull’s run apparently over in New York, let’s look back on everything that transpired, since the team signed him in 2016:
July 8, 2016: New York Knicks sign Noah to four-year, $72 million contract
The contract that arguably defined Phil Jackson’s legacy as president of basketball operations, Noah received a four-year, $72 million deal. The veteran center played in just 29 games in the 2015-16 season, two of which were starts, before he signed this deal.
Feb. 27, 2017: Noah undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery
After a mostly unremarkable run of 46 games for 5 points and 8.8 rebounds, Noah underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. It placed him out for the rest of the season.
Mar. 25, 2017: NBA suspends Noah 20 games for violation of anti-drug policy
While in recovery, the NBA suspended Noah 20 games for violation of the league’s anti-drug policy; 10 games were served to close the 2016-17 season, while the other 10 opened the 2017-18 campaign.
Apr. 12, 2017: Noah undergoes surgery for torn rotator cuff
To add injury to a suspension and injury, Noah underwent surgery for a torn left rotator cuff, one year after he had an operation on the right shoulder. A return timetable was given for training camp in September.
Nov. 27, 2017: Noah returns to the court
Despite the training camp projection and the 10-game suspension, Noah did not return until the 20th game of the 2017-18 season. He played just under three minutes and had two points.
Nov. 29, 2017: Noah goes to the G League
The Knicks sent Noah to the G League for a rehab assignment just days later, and he played one game for the Westchester Knicks. The Florida product finished with nine points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
Jan. 23, 2018: Noah’s last game with the New York Knicks
New York brought Noah back to the main roster, but only in a garbage time role. This lasted for just six more games, with the final game on Jan. 23, 2018, and he finished with two points and one rebound.
Jan. 24, 2018: Noah and Jeff Hornacek have “heated exchange” at practice; Noah exiled from the team
The official breakdown between the player and organization, the now-former head coach, Jeff Hornacek, had a physical altercation with Noah, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Hornacek allegedly started it with a shove.
After this, Noah was exiled from the Knicks, who tried to trade the embattled player, but would not buy him out.
May 8, 2018: David Fizdale says he’s not against having Noah around
The Knicks fired Hornacek after the 2017-18 season and replaced him with David Fizdale, who did not oppose the idea of Noah’s return, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley.
David Fizdale says Joakim Noah reached out to him after he was hired. He intimates that he's open to the possibility of Noah returning. Scott Perry reiterates that all options are on the table w/Noah, who has been away from NYK since February after an argument w/Jeff Hornacek
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 8, 2018
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Sept. 14, 2018: New York Knicks plan to part ways with Noah
Then, of course, the aforementioned news of the Knicks plan to part ways with Noah before training camp. If that’s the case, it will happen before September ends.