Noah away from Knicks for unspecified personal reasons

Joakim Noah has left the New York Knicks for an undetermined length of time.

“(It's) for these two games and we’ll see,’’ coach Jeff Hornacek said prior to Thursday's game at the Denver Nuggets, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman.

The exact reason for Noah's absence could not be extracted from the Knicks bench boss.

"We’re not going to comment on that stuff," said Hornacek. "Personal reasons, he won’t be with us for a couple of games. He works hard to keep himself in shape. He’s professional that way. It’s always tough when you want to play.’’

The abruptness of the departure is similar to that of Noah's former Bulls and Knicks teammate, Derrick Rose, who famously left the Knicks just over a year ago. The key difference is it appears Noah gave the team some notice.

While Noah is being compensated lavishly, playing out year two of a four-year, $72-million contract signed under the Phil Jackson regime, the former Defensive Player of the Year has barely had to lace his shoes up for in-game action this season.

To date, Noah has played just 40 total minutes over seven appearances, recording 12 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists, unable to find any foothold in a frontcourt crowded by younger, healthier bigs with greater upside.