New York Knicks: Joakim Noah may return Sunday; Courtney Lee likely out (Report)
Dec 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks injured players shooting guard Courtney Lee (left) and center Joakim Noah watch from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Begley of ESPN New York provided an update on ailing veteran New York Knicks‘ starters Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee.

New York Knicks’ starters Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee sat out Friday’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both due to ankle problems. It was Noah’s second straight time in street clothes (fourth of the season), but just Lee’s first in 2016-17.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, it was a different day at practice for the ailing veterans. Both will attempt to return Sunday against DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings.

Per Begley, head coach Jeff Hornacek is optimistic his former Defensive Player of the Year will return Sunday. But will he return to the starting lineup? That’s a decision that Hornacek will keep close to the vest.

Noah has given his coach nothing but mediocrity and Kyle O’Quinn’s Friday night showcase left little doubt in everyone else’s minds as to who the starter should be on Sunday.

A healthy $72 million big man or not.

Lee is a different story. He’s been one of New York’s most valuable players and a guaranteed starter upon his return. Per Begley, the shooting guard didn’t practice today which isn’t a good sign for his status tomorrow.

The Knicks shouldn’t be worried about Lee long-term. He’s played 70-plus games in all but one of his previous eight NBA seasons.

Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.

 
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.