Knicks Rumors: Reasons To Love The Joakim Noah Signing

4. Unselfish Offense

In the modern NBA, championship teams are often built with centers who don’t need touches. Centers must be able to do something productive with the ball in their hands, but ball-dominant big men aren’t conducive to winning big.

Even if nothing else on this list proves valuable, Joakim Noah’s unselfish approach on offense should be of great aid to the Knicks’ long-term vision.

Noah is the rare breed of player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. He sets strong screens, hustles on the offensive glass, and seems to be comfortable letting his interior partner thrive.

That’s exactly what the New York Knicks need out of a center with Kristaps Porzingis‘ development remaining the top priority.

When Noah has the ball in his hands, he’s one of the best big men passers in NBA history. In 2013-14, Noah became the first player 6’11” or taller to average at least 5.0 assists per game since Kevin Garnet in 2004-05.

For those who question the sample size, Noah has averaged at least 5.5 assists per 36 minutes in each of the past three seasons.

Next: Elite Skill