The New York Knicks have a serious problem on their hands. With the stellar play of Kyle O'Quinn in the Knicks' recent games, Joakim Noah has become dispensable.
Joakim Noah was one of the key acquisitions for the New York Knicks this offseason. He was signed for a 4 year $72 million contract which forces the New York Knicks to stick with Joakim Noah for 4 years. The problem so far is that Joakim Noah has been a disappointment for the New York Knicks. He's been averaging 4.0 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 28.6 percent of the free throw line thus far this season leaving New York Knicks fans underwhelmed. Noah hasn't proven to be the defensive menace he used to be when he was with the Chicago Bulls.
On the other hand, Kyle O'Quinn has proved his worth with the New York Knicks. In the four games that Noah didn't play this season, the New York Knicks are 4-0. In Noah's absence, Kyle O'Quinn showed to be a better player in the recent games steering the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference's best record of 7-3 since Nov 12. In their 118-114 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kyle O'Quinn scored 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and got 2 blocks in 31 minutes of play against Karl Anthony Towns, one the league's best centers.
However, if the New York Knicks, wants to compete with the elite, then a 100% Joakim Noah would certainly help their cause. It's clear that Noah is still having troubles with his past injuries as his sub-par play has shown. What the New York Knicks could do now is ease Joakim Noah back to his starting role slowly. The New York Knicks should start Kyle O'Quinn and build him to be the Knick's best bench player like Enes Kanter on Oklahoma Thunder. Joakim Noah would then come off the bench at first while slowly increase his playing until he is back to his former self.
Then again, if this doesn't work maybe the New York Knicks could trade him somewhere like the Minnesota Timberwolves to reunite with his former coach. If Kyle O'Quinn proves to be a better player than Noah, then Knicks would have to get rid of Joakim Noah and his massive contract. On the other hand, if Joakim Noah of old returns, then New York Knicks would have to choose between Noah and O'Quinn. Whichever way you look at it, the New York Knicks have a dilemma and it all starts with Joakim Noah.