Knicks' Noah Undergoes Knee Surgery, Could Miss Rest Of Season
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Joakim Noah's debut season with the Knicks has gone from bad to worse.
The Knicks center had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday and could miss the rest of the season.
The procedure was needed to remove a loose body in his knee. He will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, the Knicks said. With just 6½ weeks left in the regular season and the Knicks' a long shot in the playoff race, there's a chance Noah won't suit up with the Knicks again this season.
Joakim Noah had a left knee arthroscopy this afternoon to remove a loose body. He will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) February 27, 2017
Noah missed the past seven games with a lingering hamstring issue, but the knee injury had not been previously disclosed.
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The Knicks signed Noah in July to a four-year, $72 million contract, but he has failed to live up to expectations while playing in his hometown. Noah has played in 46 of New York's 59 games, averaging 5.0 points and 8.7 rebounds. The former Defensive Player of the Year has struggled defensively, and he's shooting just 43.6 percent from the free-throw line.
The knee injury is the latest setback for Noah. Last season, shoulder injuries limited him to 29 games. He has only played more than 67 games once in his last eight seasons.
The Knicks are 24-35 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference.