/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58744539/usa_today_10561868.0.jpg)
We know precious little about the altercation last month between Joakim Noah and Jeff Hornacek which left Noah persona non grata around MSG, but some juicy details have started to emerge.
According to the Stefan Bondy and Frank Isola of the Daily News, Hornacek actually shoved the veteran big man during the practice session kerfuffle.
The disagreement stemmed from Noah’s lack of playing time, and it turned physical the day after he logged only five minutes against the Warriors.
While no punches were thrown, a source told the Daily News’ Frank Isola that Hornacek was the first to shove Noah before they had to be separated.
But Marc Berman of the Post had a much different version of the incident.
The next day at practice, according to eyewitnesses, they engaged in a verbal shouting match with Noah being restrained.
Hornacek never pushed Noah, according to multiple sources. In fact, indications are the Knicks mulled issuing Noah a suspension for his actions but decided against it. The separation has been called “mutual” by Knicks officials.
So who should we believe? Hell if I know. The Knicks’ front office is strongly backing Hornacek here, which leads me to believe it was Noah who stepped over the line. Still, the Knicks might want to consider the fact that Noah is still more likely to be on the team next year than their two top centers, Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn, both of whom have opt-out clauses in their contracts. In fact, Noah is probably a safer bet than Hornacek to remain a Knick, given the changes the front office might—nay, should—want to make to the coaching staff next year.