The New York Knicks have reportedly agreed to terms with free agent center Joakim Noah. Here are five reasons you should love this signing.
By addressing the void at point guard, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks created a vacancy at center. New York is expected to sign 2015 NBA Draft acquisition Willy Hernangomez, but the first priority was finding a player who can start in 2016-17.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged as much when he claimed center was a higher priority for the Knicks than shooting guard.
Mere minutes into the 2016 period of NBA free agency, New York had already entered negotiations with center Joakim Noah. The interest was longstanding and rumored, but it was a sign of the sense of urgency in New York that Jackson was so quick to pursue this opportunity.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, those negotiations ultimately led to the two sides agreeing upon an four-year deal worth $72 million.
Knicks and Joakim Noah have officially agreed on a 4 year $72 million deal after meeting in Orlando tonight https://t.co/zqauJFWmOC
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2016
That’s a long-term investment in a player whom many have deemed a polarizing figure.
Noah, 31, is coming off of a season during which he averaged 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 block in 21.9 minutes of action. He was highly inefficient, but much of that could be chalked up to his failing to gel with new head coach Fred Hoiberg.
It’s also worth noting that Noah finished 2015-16 with per 36 averages of 7.0 points, 14.5 rebounds, 4.9 offensive boards, 6.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steal.
The question in New York is simple: which version of Noah will the Knicks be getting? Is it the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, the injury-riddled shell of his former self from 2015-16, or something in between?
That question won’t be answered until the regular season begins, but there are many reasons to be optimistic about what could prove to be an outstanding signing.
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