The clock has begun on Joakim Noah's 20-game suspension.
The NBA concurred with the Knicks' doctors that Noah can resume playing after undergoing left knee surgery Feb. 27. Noah will start serving his 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NBA's anti-drug policy Wednesday night when the Knicks face the Miami Heat.
Noah will be suspended for the final eight games of this season and the first 12 next year.
"Our independent medical expert has concluded that Joakim Noah is physically able to play and his suspension will begin with Wednesday's game," the NBA said in a statement.
The veteran center was suspended for testing positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033. Noah said Tuesday that he "made a mistake" by taking an over-the-counter supplement that was banned by the NBA and other professional sports leagues.
Noah said he had been taking it to help his recovery from his injuries. He also had ankle and hamstring issues this season and played just 29 games last year due to a shoulder injury.
"I've gone through a lot of injuries." Noah said. "I tried to take something to help me and it backfired."
Noah, who signed a four-year $72 million free-agent contract last July, appeared in 46 games this season for the Knicks and averaged 5.0 points and 8.7 rebounds.
