Boston Celtics Free Agent Target: Joakim Noah
By Jeremy Karll
Joakim Noah is one of the most high-energy players in the NBA, and the Celtics should at least take a look at him
This may be an unpopular free agent target. Joakim Noah isn’t liked by many fans besides those in Chicago. He’s one of those players that you love when they’re on your team but hate when they’re up against you.
He plays with as much energy as anyone in the NBA though, and it’s clear that Chicago will be moving on from the former ninth overall selection. Noah has been the heart and soul of the Bulls for many years, however, they’re currently a mess and most likely will be trying to resign Pau Gasol.
Noah played in 29 games this season before being declared out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. A two-time all-star that was once a main component to the Chicago Bulls‘ success has been pushed to the curb as a result.
Joakim Noah has dealt with plantar fasciitis in his foot for a couple of years, and his shoulder is now a concern. After a disappointing season in 2014-15 and missing most of this year, he will be a steal for a team who is willing to take a chance on him. Noah will not command as much money as he deserves, which makes him a perfect option for Boston Celtics.
In 2013-14, Noah was the best center in the game. Derrick Rose went down with another injury, and the Bulls were looking for anyone to lead them. Jimmy Butler was still a young player and hadn’t reached his prime yet. Noah stepped up and had one of the best seasons a center has had in recent memory.
He was named All-NBA First Team, as well as finishing fourth in MVP voting. He also was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His 96 defensive rating was the best in the NBA that season and he owned the most defensive win shares in the league as well. Noah was a monster that season, averaging 12.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
He was one of the best all-around players in the league and is still arguably the best passing big man in the league. That would be a huge asset for a coach like Brad Stevens and a team with many slashers. Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and Marcus Smart would all benefit having a big man being able to feed them the ball while cutting to the basket.
While Noah doesn’t have the post-up moves to make him an elite scorer down low, he can shoot a mid-range shot effectively and also rebounds the ball on offense at a great rate and is able to get a lot of points through putbacks. Not to mention that he is a career 71.1 percent free-throw shooter, one of the best among big men.
The reason Joakim Noah will be so cheap compared to other centers this off-season is not only because of injuries. He struggled last season as he and Pau Gasol didn’t mesh. Both players need the ball in their hands to be efficient and that doesn’t work when you also have a backcourt of Rose and Butler.
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His numbers dipped last season to 7.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. However, even though he looked awkward all season and didn’t put up the same numbers, he still showed his ability to rebound, pass, and play good defense down low. He is one of the rare centers you can run your offense through.
Boston has enough money to go out and get another scorer to compliment Isaiah Thomas, however, Noah brings a lot to the table. He is a true center, adds a defensive anchor down low, and runs the floor very well, which would allow the Celtics to continue their fast play style. Noah would also add a leader to the locker room who has been deep in the playoffs with the Bulls, which is valuable experience for an otherwise young Celtics team.
It’s hard to find someone who plays with as much energy and heart as Joakim Noah does, and the fact the Bulls are going to let him walk is good news for other teams. He still has the ability to be one of the better centers in the league, however it was clear that him and Gasol didn’t work well together.
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It’s a little risky considering the injury history and past two seasons, but if Boston gets him for cheap he could pay off in a big way.