New York Knicks need a hungry Joakim Noah in 2018-19

Former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah is determined to return from exile and make an immediate impact for the New York Knicks in 2018-19

Joakim Noah‘s tenure with the New York Knicks has been disappointing beyond measure since signing the infamous four-year, $72 million contract back in 2016. The Phil Jackson regime is over, leaving Noah — who’s struggled with injuries, poor performance and illegal substances — in limbo regarding his future with the franchise.

The former NBA All-Star had problems playing under ex-Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek, leading to him eventually being exiled from the team completely towards the end of the season. Noah had stints with the Knicks’ G League affiliate in Westchester last year while only playing seven games for an average of 5.7 minutes with the main roster. Noah spent most of the season away from the team, leaving little hope until Hornacek’s dismissal as to whether he’d be returning.

The recent hiring of David Fizdale has breathed new life into the Noah conversation, as the former Memphis Grizzles head coach has a reputation for preferring tough hard-working players. Noah fits the description completely, probably leading to him eventually breaking his silence with the organization and congratulating Fizdale on the new job. Fizdale spoke with reporters about Noah’s future shortly after his introductory press conference back in May.

"“He reached out to me and just congratulated me, I’m not putting a ceiling on anybody. Whoever is on our team in front of me is going to get my full attention to investment. He’s obviously given me fits from back in the days. I’ve got some Noah nightmares from when he was in Chicago, some of those wars. I’m not putting a cap on anybody.”"

Noah has made a career of hustling and playing hard from his glory years with the Chicago Bulls. He is a former Defensive Player of the Year and a double-double machine who could step out and become a facilitator as a “point center.” The addition of Fizdale will lock him in with a coach that shares similarities to Tom Thibodeau, focusing on strong defense and grind-it-out offense.

Noah has recently been seen working on his game this offseason, even incorporating more 3-point shot attempts. This could be a positive sign to prove his worth in the league, as the role of a big man in today’s era includes more outside shooting. A close confidant of Noah, his former high school coach Bill McNally, recently shared his thoughts on the big man’s future in New York with the NY Post:

"“It wasn’t the worst thing in the world to have that time to recoup himself — the team was going nowhere anyway — to get better physically, mentally and recharge his battery. I know he’s been working out to try to be ready for the next chapter. I know he doesn’t want to end on this note. Hopefully he’ll get another chance one way or another. I believe he’ll be a bull let out of a stall and try to be most improved player.’’"

"“I laugh all the time because he could’ve made more money in Minnesota. He came here for less. I laugh at the Garden when everyone who has a hedge fund is complaining how much he’s making. But nobody who put on that jersey the first time was prouder than him.”"

The Knicks are in full rebuild mode but would benefit from the veteran presence of Noah, who is ready for the opportunity. The young frontcourt players just drafted in June, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson, need a pro with the resume of Noah to get them ready for the tough grind ahead of them. It’s the best way to get the most out of the big money investment without waving him.