The arrival of Joakim Noah has sparked excitement and interest in the New York Knicks. Noah fits Phil Jackson’s on-court and off-court philosophy.
Since becoming team president, Phil Jackson has sought to not only bring more talent to the New York Knicks, but more high character and conscious players, as well. His ultimate goal has always been to recreate the DNA of the championship teams that he helped build in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Joakim Noah‘s on-the-court attributes have been discussed at length. If healthy, he will bring solid defense, rebounding, and passing to the roster.
However, after reading Phil Jackson’s recent comments in an interview with Charley Rosen, it appears that Noah’s fit with the Knicks is more than just X’s and O’s.
In an article written for Today’s Fastbreak, Rosen quotes Jackson as saying:
"“There’s a movement called Humanistic Psychology that appeals to me, especially the work of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. In the context of this basketball team, it’s about creating a comfortable, secure workspace to help and encourage the players to self-actualize with the end of enabling them to grow together as a group.”"
A brief review of the Wikipedia page for Humanistic Psychology shows that Maslow and Rogers believed the concept of self-actualization is an expression of creativity, pursuing knowledge, and/or spiritual enlightenment.
Furthermore, Maslow’s characteristics of self-actualization included “task centering,” and a person being “socially compassionate.” Task centering is the mission of a person who strives to solve a problem that is “beyond themselves.”
During his time in Chicago, Noah was a strong advocate against gang violence, specifically in the inner cities. In 2014, ESPN ran a story about Noah and his impact on the community.
Noah reportedly attended numerous barbecues and interacted with residents on the west and south sides of Chicago. His goal was to understand the social underpinnings of gang violence and the day-to-day struggles of the youths in these communities.
"“It’s not about legacy, it’s not about none of that,” Noah said. “I don’t care about that. It’s about helping people. At the end of the day, that, to me, is bigger than basketball.”"
In addition to organizing different types of events, including a celebrity basketball game, Noah also collaborated with his mother, Cecilia Rodhe, in creating the anti-violence initiative Rock Your Drop: The Drop of Consciousness.
The teardrop pendant servea as a symbol of hope for youths and adults in the community. Noah’s motivation to spark change appears to stem from his desire to improve the community wherever he lives.
Noah’s socially conscious nature will dovetail nicely with Carmelo Anthony’s recent efforts in advocating for peace between law enforcement and inner-city communities. In an Instagram post (pictured in video above), Anthony acknowledged that he doesn’t have the answers, but stated that “we” need to come up with solutions.
In the same 2014 ESPN article, Noah conveyed a similar sentiment.
"“I just want to do my best. I don’t know all the answers. At the end of the day, I just want to go out there and help, because this is just as important to me as winning a championship.”"
Overall, it’s impossible to calculate and assess how Noah’s philanthropic efforts will impact the Knicks in wins and losses.
must read: Five reasons the Knicks will make the 2017 NBA Playoffs
However, while Jackson has received plenty of criticism, it’s encouraging to see how he plans to build a team with players who are mindful of their place both on the court and in the community.