Since his very first days in the NBA, center Joakim Noah has been known for making a profound impact in many more ways than just one. A true 7-footer, Noah has the ability to anchor a team defensively, take care of the glass, and be a pinpoint passer from the lane.
However, that was the type of player Noah was during his early days as a member of the Chicago Bulls. That player now seems to be a shell of his former self ever since he joined the New York Knicks last offseason.
Last year, Noah had an injury-riddled and disappointing campaign to put it lightly, appearing in only 46 games. With so much uncertainty now surrounding the former Florida Gator heading into this season, Noah is looking forward to the opportunity to prove himself again.
“It’s been a long time away from the game”
“I’m still a work in progress. I’m just excited to get back on the court,” Noah told Newsday’s Al Iannazzone. “I’m dealing with a lot of adversity right now. It’s just where the cards fell. It’s like being a rookie all over again. I got to prove myself, I got to prove myself every day. It’s my challenge. It’s the challenge that I put myself in. I just got to keep working every day.”
The battle Joakim Noah now faces is a daunting one, to say the least. Last year, Noah started in all of his 46 appearances but that may be subject to change this season with the addition of Enes Kanter and the development of Willie Hernangomez. The Knicks may also experiment with franchise centerpiece Kristaps Porzingis at center, cutting further into Noah’s potential minutes.
Noah averaged a paltry 5 points per game to go along with 8.8 rebounds in 46 games as the Knicks starting center. Coming off knee surgery in February, shoulder surgery in April, and a 20 game suspension due to violating the league’s anti-drug policy, Noah has an uphill battle back to being the invaluable player he once was.
