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Three things Joakim Noah would bring to the LA Clippers

By Garrett Chorpenning

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: Joakim Noah #55 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw during the game against the LA Clippers on February 22, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: Joakim Noah #55 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw during the game against the LA Clippers on February 22, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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According to rumors, free agent big Joakim Noah worked out with the LA Clippers  Thursday. If signed, he could help the team in numerous ways.

The LA Clippers have checked nearly all the boxes this offseason. They won the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes, landed Paul George in a stunning trade, and returned key players in Patrick Beverley and JaMychal Green. LA also managed to bring in Tyronn Lue, and lock up Ivica Zubac and Rodney McGruder on long-term contracts.

All that’s left to do is patch up the remaining holes, and fortunately for the Clippers, there are very few of them. LA has a comfortable amount of depth at both guard positions, and the forwards behind Leonard and George are among the most versatile in the league.

The center position is the only real area of concern. LA did sign Patrick Patterson to address that need, but the truth is that the Clippers need a more traditional big to back up Zubac and Montrezl Harrell.

Enter Joakim Noah.

The 34-year-old big is one of the top free agents still available, and now that the Los Angeles Lakers have signed Dwight Howard, the list of teams Noah would consider signing with has likely slimmed down. More importantly, it almost certainly includes the Clippers.

According to his father, Yannick Noah, Joakim worked out for LA Thursday. Not only is that a good sign that he has interest in playing for the Clippers, but it signals that the feeling is mutual as well.

And the feeling should be mutual, after all. If there was a doubt that Noah could still perform, it doesn’t exist anymore. He played in 42 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, and his efficient play proved that he still belongs in the league.

But what could he bring to the Clippers that they don’t already have?

Defense

Yes, the LA Clippers are already shaping up to be one of the league’s best defensive teams. But if that’s a goal, then it certainly couldn’t hurt to add more players to the roster that are known for their ability on that end of the floor.

Noah isn’t the All-Defensive-caliber big that he used to be, but he can still defend. This past season with Memphis, he averaged 1.6 blocks per 36 and posted a defensive rating of 105 per 100 possessions.

More importantly, Noah’s seven-foot frame will allow the Clippers to have more options when it comes to guarding larger, more dominant bigs — something Zubac struggled with during the second half of the Clippers’ season, and that Harrell and Patterson aren’t as well suited for.

If nothing else, Noah could be a situational defender when those above him in the depth chart get into foul trouble. He’s far from the worst option to have in that scenario, and come playoffs time, having that option could allow LA’s bigs to be a bit more physical in the paint.

Rebounding

Again, this isn’t to say that the LA Clippers need help on the glass. Zubac is a very solid rebounder, and with the additions of Leonard and George, the Clippers should be all over the glass next season. But again, having an abundance of large guys that can crash the glass with ease isn’t necessary a bad thing.

Aside from defense, rebounding is arguably Noah’s best trait. He’s hauled in an average of 9.1 per game for his career. With Memphis, Noah recorded 5.7 boards in 16.5 minutes per game — or 12.4 per 36.

Noah has long been great at grabbing offensive boards too, something that has become more valuable in today’s era of basketball. In 2017, 3.5 of his 8.8 rebounds per game were offensive. In total, he’s averaged at least 3.0 offensive boards per game in nine of his 12 seasons in the NBA. Per 36, he’s done it in all of them.

Cultural Fit

When it comes down to it, Noah just makes sense for the LA Clippers. His two-way ability matches up with what the front office has prioritized as of late, he’s shown a willingness to play in a smaller role (something that was unclear about other free agent big men) and his personality should allow him to fit right in with the rest of the roster.

Like Beverley and Harrell, Noah is loud, aggressive and passionate. He thrives in close, important games and plays with plenty of energy. On top of that, his 12 years in the NBA and numerous playoff runs would instantly make him one of the most experienced players on the roster — something the Clippers will need if they plan on making a deep playoff run.

Next. Gutting team for Bradley Beal would be terrible move. dark

Noah is a leader, with a passion for defense and effort. Out of all the remaining free agents, he makes the most sense for this LA Clippers roster and he fills a hole in the roster. If the Clippers do end up signing him, it would be the perfect way to cap off the summer and head into the regular season.

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