Joakim Noah
Ex Chicago Bulls big man Joakim Noah could be the perfect fit on this Trail Blazers team. Finishing last season on the Memphis Grizzlies, Noah was a positive addition who not only added real production but helped them win a few games.
Noah’s defense, rebounding and passing are all skills this team lacks in the big man department. Noah brings a toughness that this team lacks on that end. Noah actually bears a striking similarity to Nurkic, whose production he would be replacing if the Blazers decided to bring him in.
Noah is only 34, and if you forget about his terrible experience with the dysfunctional New York Knicks, you see a player who unlike some of the other veterans on the free agent market, can still add to a team on both ends of the court.
On the Grizzlies last year, the team were an impressive 7.8 points per possession better when he was on the court. Also, even though it was only for 42 games, Noah had career highs in a lot of categories.
Noah has always been a great passer out of the post, and as a former defensive player of the year he would bring versatility to any team he signed with. Noah would also be a great fit next to ex-Knicks teammate Melo. One of the Blazers biggest struggles is rebounding on both ends.
Even if Noah was only signed to shore up the rebounding, he would be a big upgrade over the smaller players that are currently being played out of position.
Sometimes fans get upset about ten-day contracts as they want a star player or a blockbuster trade instead. But ten-day deals carry less risk, and give the team a chance to try before they buy. The salary is pro-rated and almost always at the minimum.
The Blazers may choose to bring in one or two of these vets even if they aren’t looking to sign someone for the rest of the season. Their injury toll currently means that this production would be a huge help until they get back Jusuf Nurkic. Stay patient Rip City, help is on the way.