Trail Blazers Free Agency: Joakim Noah could be a solid consolation prize for Portland
The Trail Blazers free agency history is a rocky one to say the least, which is why they will likely keep their options open this summer. It appears that Neil Olshey (Portland’s GM) will pull out all the stops to land a premier big man, but he will likely have a few back up options in mind if he misses out on his top target. Luckily for the Trail Blazers, the market is loaded with solid options at the center position.
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Joakim Noah could be one of those options for the Trail Blazers. It is hard to imagine that Noah isn’t a top level target, but his injury history and age have become a factor. He was limited to 29 games in 2015-16 and he posted some of the worst numbers of his career in those appearances. A year of rehab and a change of scenery could turn back time for the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year though.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, Noah has told his teammates that he has little faith in the Bulls going forward. Adjusting to Fred Hoiberg has been tough on almost all of the Tom Thibodeau holdovers and it appears that is no different for their long time big man. Noah has spent all nine of his years as a pro in Chicago, but it certainly seems like that is about to change.
At 31, Noah will be looking for what is likely to be his final big contract in the NBA. Even with that in mind, he will likely value winning just as much as income. He has made over 10 million dollars a year over the last five seasons, so he won’t have the same money motives as players like Bismack Biyombo and Hassan Whiteside. If Olshey can convince Noah that the Trail Blazers have a real shot at contention, he could sign a deal to come to Portland on a contract that is below the max level.
While he wouldn’t be the premier player Rip City is dreaming of, Noah still brings a lot of solid things to the table. When healthy, he is one of the best centers in the NBA. Mason Plumlee found a tremendous amount of success passing the ball in Terry Stotts’ offense, now imagine adding a player that is only two seasons removed from averaging 5.4 assists per game.
Outside of his passing, Noah would provide Portland with a true rim protector. He made three straight NBA All-Defense Teams to start the decade, which is a solid reflection of his ability to alter shots in the paint.
Perhaps the biggest thing that Noah brings to the table is his experience. He has sixty games worth of playoff experience in his nine year career. He has played under one of the best defensive coaches of this era, so it should be a given that he has picked up a few tricks along the way. Noah has the type of ferocity and competitiveness that infects a locker room. His demeanor and knowledge could be the missing piece for a young Trail Blazers team.
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While it wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, adding Noah would provide the Trail Blazers with the rim protection that they covet.