Joakim Noah
Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics offered a look at the epitome of what Joakim Noah will provide the New York Knicks with. He scored just two points in 14 minutes—5.1 per 36—but still managed to make an invaluable impact on the game.
Noah dominated the boards, facilitated the offense, and proved that he’s still one of the most dynamic big men in the NBA today.
Noah finished the Boston game with two points, seven rebounds, two offensive boards, and four assists. Those translate to per 36 marks of 5.1 points, 18.0 rebounds, 5.1 offensive boards, and 10.3 assists.
Noah clearly won’t average 18.0 rebounds and 10.3 assists per 36 minutes in 2016-17, but this game was still a reflection of what he can be trusted to provide.
Noah has averaged at least 11.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per 36 minutes in three consecutive seasons. That bodes well for a Knicks team that projects to play a style that requires high post passers and relentless rebounders.
Noah’s scoring isn’t quite irrelevant, but it pales in comparison to the overall impact he could have on the Knicks in 2016-17.