With a perceived hole at the center position, the LA Clippers should give serious consideration to veteran big man Joakim Noah.
Free agency has mostly died down, but there are still several players available that could potentially help teams. One of those players is veteran center Joakim Noah. The former All-Star is still without a team, but could fill in the hole the LA Clippers have in their center depth.
After missing most of the 2017-18 season, Noah found himself appearing in 42 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018-19. In those 42 appearances, he scored 7.1 points on 51.6% shooting, grabbed 5.7 rebounds and dished out 2.1 assists. He also recorded 0.7 blocks and 0.5 steals.
No, those stats aren’t anything impressive, but the 34 year old showed that he still has a little game in him. That’s all the Clippers need.
For a veteran minimum, Noah could be a perfect bench center. No, he wouldn’t be guaranteed many, if any minutes, but he would be there if needed and could still have an impact. His past as a rim protector could also be useful, as he would be the last line of defensive in a stout defensive group at times. Noah’s defensive minded play would gel well with the Clippers’ roster and he could be a good mentor for Ivica Zubac.
Noah has reportedly garnered some interest from NBA teams, but he is also getting offers to play overseas. The Clippers would likely only offer the veteran minimum, so getting him on the roster really comes down to what he is seeking at this point in his career.
If he wants a shot at a title, he would have to consider the Clippers. If he wants a big payday, he’s likely better off heading overseas.
If the Clippers decide not to go the route of signing Noah, they may just hold onto the empty roster spot. The buyout market will be something they will explore, potentially adding someone like Andre Iguodala (who doesn’t address their big man need) or another big man who no one yet knows is available.