Center: Joakim Noah
Age: 31 (2/25/1985)
2015-16 Slash Line: .383/.000/.489
2015-16 Season Averages: 21.9 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.0 ORPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 BPG, 0.6 SPG
Accolades: 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, 2014 All-NBA First Team, 2x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive First Team, 2011 All-Defensive Second Team
Mere days into his tenure with the New York Knicks, Joakim Noah has already become a fan favorite. Having grown up in New York as a Knicks fan himself, Noah has been unfiltered in expressing his excitement to don the orange and blue.
When asked what it means to him to play for the Knicks, Noah provided a quote that fans have already come to love: “I’m ready to be an animal for this city.”
"New York is very special to me. This is where I grew up. I’ve been a Knicks fan my whole life, so this jersey means everything to me. I’m ready to be an animal for this city."
That’s a fair bit of insight into what Noah will provide the Knicks with.
Noah, who won the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year award, is a relentless defender and vocal leader. He’ll keep his teammates motivated and his opponents frustrated, much like the beloved Knicks big men of the 1990s.
Noah’s physicality and toughness also fall in line with the Knicks big men of the 1990s.
Offensively, Noah is one of the best passers in the history of his position. In 2013-14, he became the first center to average at least 5.0 assists since Vlade Divac in 2003-04 and Sam Lacey in 1979-80.
For a team that already has Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt, adding Noah to the mix could prove to be a brilliant move.
Next: Sixth Man