It looks like the bad luck for Joakim Noah's 2016-2017 season keeps coming as his dismal free throw percentage are now a cause for concern. In their recent game against the Sacramento Kings, Joakim Noah missed four straight free throws late in the fourth quarter. The hack-a-noah method seemed to have worked for the Sacramento Kings as it created an opportunity for them for a comeback that unfortunately fell short. It only adds to problems the New York Knicks have with Joakim Noah.
Noah started the season with a career average of 70.4 percent foul shooter. But for this season, Noah has shot an abysmal 24 percent (6-for-25 for the season) from the free throw. The hack-a-noah strategy has in fact started last season admitted Joakim Noah. But more teams are sure to follow as was seen in their last game.
When asked about his free throw woes, Joakim Noah offered no answers other than to keep practicing. "I got to stay positive, keep grinding and they'll go down,'' Noah said. He also said that he had the same issues last season and tells that he just has to make his free throws. When asked about the cause of his free throw problems, Joakim Noah admitted that it was simply frustration.
New York Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek agrees with Noah's assessment that the problems are more mental rather than skill. "He's been a good free-throw shooter. I think right now it's in his head a little bit. He shot some more [Monday]. I think he'll be fine. He just needs a couple of them to go down and get his confidence back" Hornaceck said. The coach also praised Joakim Noah's value on the defensive end saying the he needs Joakim Noah to anchor the team's defence.
The New York Knicks signed Joakim Noah to a 4-year 72$ million contract in the offseason. But as early as this season, signs point to that contract as a bust due to Joakim Noah's sub-par play. Kyle O'Quinn on the other hand proved to be the better starting center steering the Knicks to a 4-0 record. And now with the hack-a-noah, the Knicks can expect more teams to take advantage of Noah's free throw problem. This only adds to the New York Knick's problem with Noah. In the end, only Joakim Noah can save himself and his team.