Noah undergoes shoulder surgery
New York Knicks center Joakim Noah underwent surgery to repair his left rotator cuff Wednesday, the team announced. While the Knicks didn't offer a rehabilitation timeline, it was reported earlier this month that Noah would be out of action for four-to-six months.
That puts a return to full basketball activities anywhere between the end of August and the beginning of the regular season in October. However, before Noah can play, he must sit out the remaining 10 games of his suspension for violating the terms of the league's Anti-Drug Program. He cannot finish the suspension until he is medically cleared to play.
Wednesday's procedure was the second operation on the same shoulder since January 2016. The 32-year-old also underwent knee surgery this February.
Since winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013-14, Noah has been limited to 142 games over the three ensuing seasons. Knicks president Phil Jackson signed him to a four-year, $72-million contract last summer.