New York Knicks fans may not like Joakim Noah’s four-year, $72 million contract. In fact, they most definitely shouldn’t. The idea of giving an injury-prone big superstar money through his 35th birthday is harrowing.
Nevertheless, no matter what Knicks fans think of Noah’s contract, they’re going to love Noah—his attitude, his leadership, his drive, his hair, his fire, etc.
Case in point: Speaking with the New York Post‘s Steve Serby, Noah explained just how much he hates losing (Hint: More than you):
Q: What drives you?
A: I hate to lose. It bothers me, more than any fans. I hate losing. The feeling you get after winning a basketball game driving home? It’s indescribable. It’s the best feeling in the world. Even people who tell you, “I don’t care,” they’re lying. They care.Q: What won’t you tolerate as a teammate?
A: Selfishness. It’s a plague. It plagues everything.
Although it’s good that the Knicks employ someone who loathes losing that much, Noah might want to prep himself for another loss-loaded season. New York has lost 115 games over the last two seasons, and there’s no guarantee its much better in 2016-17.
Yes, the Knicks look good on paper. But unless Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah remain healthy and return to form, this team won’t be doing much of anything. And even then, the Knicks will still need a leap from Kristaps Porzingis and an inspired season from Carmelo Anthony, along with some serious three-and-D prowess from Courtney Lee, to make a dent in the Eastern Conference.
In other words, there’s a better-than-slight chance Joakim Noah’s hatred for losing gets pushed to the limit as a member of the Knicks.
