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In just his second year with the New York Knicks, former All-Star center Joakim Noah has seen his role with the team steadily diminish.
It has progressed to the point to where Noah has come to terms with the idea of now coming off the bench this upcoming season, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
“That’s probably what it’s going to be,” said Noah, who had two points, five rebounds and in 12 minutes in the Knicks’ 104-100 loss to the Wizards on Friday. “Right now we have a lot of talented players at my position. That’s just the reality. So it’s about being as supportive as possible, and then when my number’s called going out there and making an impact.”
Despite inking a four-year, $72 million deal with the Knicks last year, the 32-year-old has seen his level of production and efficiency on both ends of the court notably decline. It has been a troubling last eight months for that saw him undergo knee surgery in February followed by a 20-game PED suspension that was handed out nearly a month later.
Lastly, he underwent shoulder surgery in April that has capped what's been a difficult personal stretch in Noah's career. It has all heavily contributed to him being relegated to a bench role heading into his 11th campaign in the league.
That said, the Knicks have made several additions to the roster such as Enes Kanter from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Carmelo Anthony trade that could prop him into the starting lineup. Until Noah can prove he can be effective in an extended role, playing in a reserve role may be where he remains.
