Joakim Noah
If you’re looking for Joakim Noah to dominate games as a scorer, then you need to temper your expectations. It’d be ideal for him to maintain an efficient field goal percentage, but his impact will be felt in virtually every other phase of the game.
Matched up against rising star Jonas Valanciunas and the Toronto Raptors, Noah proved that he can still be effective in his dynamic role.
Noah finished with four points, 18 rebounds, eight offensive rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 33 minutes of court time. He struggled with his shot, going just 2-of-9 from the field and 0-of-2 from the free throw line.
Though a more efficient showing may have helped, Noah’s impact on the boards helped keep the Knicks within arm’s reach during tough stretches.
Noah has ranked amongst the league’s elite offensive rebounders since entering the league in 2007. He continues to be a powerful presence on the offensive glass in 2016-17, which is a relief for a Knicks team that needs second chances.
The Knicks won’t get many explosive scoring nights from Noah this season, but he’s still a dominant rebounding force.