New York Knicks: Every Free Agency Signing’s Key Strength

Joakim Noah: Leadership

Position: Center
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

The New York Knicks invested a four-year contract worth $72 million in free agent center Joakim Noah. Some have deemed it an overpay, but Noah’s the type of player who can enter a locker room and completely change the culture.

The last time New York had a player like that, Tyson Chandler, it made back-to-back postseason appearances and won 54 games in a single season.

Noah has a number of intriguing strengths, including rim protection and the uncanny ability to facilitate from the high post. It’s his leadership, however, that will help the Knicks the most in the pursuit of the postseason.

Noah doesn’t just give his all on the defensive end of the floor and offensive glass; he holds his teammates accountable and makes sure they do the same.

For a Knicks team that’s blending veterans with young and promising players, Noah’s leadership will be invaluable. He’ll keep the veterans honest, motivate the young players to improve, and get into the heads of the opposition.

Noah may or may not have another Defensive Player of the Year season left in the tank, but his leadership should be invaluable to the Knicks.