New York center Joakim Noah would like more playing time. Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek would rather not give it to him. He’ll apparently even physically hold him back if he needs to.

According to the New York Daily News, during an argument last month between Hornacek and Noah, the two got into a shoving match that was allegedly started by the coach. It’s just the latest twist in what has been an unending drama lately for New York basketball fans.

Noah has appeared in just seven games with the Knicks this season, logging an average of 5.7 minutes per contest to the tune of 12 points and 14 rebounds total. This comes after a season in which Noah averaged 22 minutes, five points and nearly nine rebounds per game. So it’s clear the big man can still contribute on the floor, but the opportunities to do so have been limited.

Making matters worse is the four-year, $72 million contract Noah signed back in 2016, which has become the worst kind of albatross for a Knicks team that would like to kick its rebuild up another couple notches.

Noah’s contract made him tough to deal before the deadline and, according to the Daily News, the Knicks are opposed to a buyout.

So the 32-year-old center is now stuck in limbo. Banished from the Knicks, and without any end in sight this season, Noah is forced to let one of his few likely remaining years left in his career go to waste.

Hornacek, on the other hand, is likely to have a few fun questions to answer once the team gets back from the All-Star break.

New York Knicks center Joakim Noah is playing for a coach who will physically restrain him from getting on the court. (AP Photo) More

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Blake Schuster is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at blakeschuster@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Schustee

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