National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Joakim Noah Still Won't Vacation In Cleveland

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks center Joakim Noah created an uneasy relationship with the city of Cleveland. He doubled down on his infamous comments before the season opener.

New York Knicks center Joakim Noah has long been known as one of the most entertaining players in the NBA. One could argue that the moment at which Noah’s outspoken fame was achieved was when he commented on the city of Cleveland.

For those who have forgotten, Noah has been at odds with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the better part of a decade.

Thus, it’s only fitting that Noah will open the 2016-17 season in Cleveland.

Noah’s most famous comments about Cleveland pertain to his belief that the city itself, “Sucks.” He stated that he wouldn’t vacation there, which inevitably caused local fans to turn him into Public Enemy No. 1.

With the 2016-17 regular season opener looming, Noah doubled down on his comments.

Noah has never been one to bite his tongue.

Noah has played 28 career regular season games against the Cavaliers. During those outings, he recorded marks of 9.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 30.8 minutes on 48.2 percent shooting from the field.

The Knicks will need that type of production from Noah when they play Cleveland in the season opener.

Noah and James have had something of a rivalry, albeit with the troubling realization that James’ teams have often come out on top. Noah has played a James-led team in the NBA Playoffs on four different occasions.

James’ teams have won by counts of 4-1, 4-1, 4-1, and 4-2.

Noah will now play with a Knicks squad that’s hungry to win and flush with both veteran talent and promising young players. Noah’s teammates will include Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Jennings, Courtney Lee, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick Rose.

The question is: can Noah and the Knicks fare better against James than the Bulls were able to?

The preliminary answer to that question will be provided on Tuesday, October 25.