Report: Knicks view Noah as backup for next season

Phil Jackson's ambitious offseason splurge is proving to be a massive sunk cost.

Although $72-million import Joakim Noah remains in the starting lineup for now, the New York Knicks view him as a backup center for next season, sources told Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Noah continues to struggle following a spate of injuries suffered during his time with the Chicago Bulls. The former Defensive Player of the Year is averaging five points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting below 50 percent from both the field and the free-throw line.

Backup options Kyle O'Quinn and even rookie pivot Willy Hernangomez have outperformed Noah this season.

"Obviously we got to get Billy (Hernangomez) more minutes, whether coming off the bench first, maybe starting him. We’re still looking at all that stuff," Hornacek said. "Kyle gives us great minutes at times. You have to go with the flow and feel."

However, perhaps due to the enormity of his contract, Noah remains the first-choice center in New York having made 46 starts. Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek evidently likes Noah for his intangibles, because the tangibles are certainly absent from the former two-time All-Star.

"He does a great job of setting screens," Hornacek said in defense of Noah. "He knows offense isn’t what he’s known for. But defense and setting screens and experience battling against some guys like Brook Lopez, a veteran guy with a lot of tricks. Jo knows all these tricks. I don’t think Brook drew a single reach out foul (Wednesday). He does a lot of good things out there."