Clippers sign Joakim Noah, who had been on a 10-day contract

The L.A. Clippers have signed free agent Joakim Noah to a new contract, it was announced today by Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank.

Noah, who signed a 10-Day contract with the Clippers on March 9, is a two-time NBA All-Star (2013, 2014) and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2014). He’s way past his prime now, but a smart, versatile player and still an excellent addition for depth purposes.

Per the Orange County Register, “the 35-year-old gives the Clippers another option at center, arguably the team’s weakest position, behind Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell. Like the other 21 teams in the restart, the Clippers will play eight regular season games before the playoffs begin in mid-August.”

Noah appeared in 42 games last season for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 7.1 points, 2.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds. The 6’11”, 230-pound center holds career averages of 8.8 points, 2.8 assists and 9.1 rebounds in 667 appearances across 12 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Grizzlies.

Before being selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Noah played three collegiate seasons at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007.

Clippers sign veteran center Joakim Noah

The L.A. Clippers signed free agent Joakim Noah today.

“Joakim is a relentless competitor and a proven winner,” said Frank. “His experience, acumen and toughness fit well in our locker room.”

Noah, a two-time NBA All-Star (2013, 2014) and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2014), appeared in 42 games last season for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 7.1 points, 2.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds. The 6’11”, 230-pound center holds career averages of 8.8 points, 2.8 assists and 9.1 rebounds in 667 appearances across 12 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Grizzlies.

Per the Los Angeles Times, “Noah was scheduled to work out for team officials in September, but had to postpone because of an injury. It wasn’t until last week that he auditioned in front of the Clippers.”

Before being selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Noah played three collegiate seasons at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007.

Gone from Knicks, Joakim Noah signs with Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed center Joakim Noah for the remainder of the season.

The team is 13-9 so far this season. Noah will provide depth off the bench.

Noah (6-11, 230) was named the 2013-14 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was selected to the 2013-14 All-NBA First Team and finished fourth in the Most Valuable Player voting after setting career highs with averages of 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.24 steals for the Bulls that season. His career highlights also include two consecutive NBA All-Star appearances (2013, 2014), three NBA All-Defensive honors (Second Team in 2011, First Team in 2013 and 2014) and the 2015 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “Noah, a 33-year-old center, will sign a one-year, minimum salary contract worth $1.73 million after undergoing a team physical, a source confirmed.”

The 33-year-old has appeared in 625 games (511 starts) since he was selected ninth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft and has averaged 8.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.35 blocks in 28.6 minutes over 11 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls (2007-16) and New York Knicks (2016-18). He has recorded 192 double-doubles and seven triple-doubles in his regular season career. Noah also has started all 60 of his playoff games and has averaged 9.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.77 blocks in 35.0 minutes.

More from the Commercial Appeal: “The Knicks waived Noah in October using the stretch provision to unload the remainder of a four-year, $72 million deal he signed with the team in the summer of 2016.”

Born in Manhattan, Noah played three seasons at the University of Florida (2004-07), where he was a member of two NCAA Championship teams (2006, 2007).

Noah will wear #55 for the Grizzlies.

Joakim Noah future with Knicks uncertain

A post shared by Joakim Noah (@stickity13) on

The Knicks (22-28) have the 10th best record in the Eastern conference through Monday’s games. Their success this season has been limited, but the team is focused more on the future than the present. Veteran center Joakim Noah appears to mostly be part of the team’s past. He’s played in just seven games this season, getting just 5.7 minutes per outing of court time. And it’s unclear when he’ll be utilized again. For the latest, here’s the NY Post:

Exiled Knicks center Joakim Noah will not be with the team Wednesday in Boston, according to coach Jeff Hornacek, and indications are he may not be back with the team until after the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

The Post reported the Knicks have ramped up their trade efforts to see if they can find a taker for Noah’s contract — perhaps in a larger deal. To date, they only have had interest from teams wanting their 2018 first-round pick attached.

The Knicks had believed Noah could rejoin the team Thursday in Milwaukee, but that is now unlikely.

In fact, there’s a growing sense — if they are unable to make a trade — to not bring Noah back at all.

Full article

Joakim Noah suspension will soon end

The Knicks have a frontcourt logjam that is about to be further complicated by the return from suspension of center Joakim Noah. Production-wise, he’s been a disappointment. Salary-wise, he’s too well-paid to keep on the bench. What to do? Here’s the New York Post:

Joakim Noah suspension will soon end

Joakim Noah doesn’t know how much or if he’ll play with the club’s center glut, but he’s delighted his drug suspension is about to end.

Noah will miss his 12th and final game Saturday when the Knicks host the Kings, then be back on the 15-man roster for a Monday home game against the Cavaliers.

The Knicks will then have four centers vying for playing time – unless they trade one of them by Sunday night. The Knicks have gauged backup Kyle O’Quinn’s trade value across the first 11 games and it’s increased because of his solid play as Enes Kanter’s backup. After the Bucks traded center Greg Monroe for Eric Bledsoe, it’s been reported they are looking for another reserve center.

Full article

Joakim Noah suspended 20 games

Joakim Noah suspended 20 games

Knicks center Joakim Noah has been suspended without pay for twenty games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033, it was announced today by the NBA.

Noah’s’ suspension will begin with the first NBA regular season or playoff game for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

Joakim Noah back in action for Knicks

Jeff Hornacek, psychic.

Before Sunday night’s game, Hornacek spoke about the Knicks’ need to finish and step on opponents’ throats which sort of became a theme when the Knicks let a 21-point lead get whittled to one before winning. But earlier in the day, he told his wife he believed Brandon Jennings would have a big game.

Hornacek was 2-for-2. Jennings scored 19 points and made huge endgame plays.

“He gave us a big lift. I saw it this morning,” Hornacek said after the 106-98 victory against the Kings…

Joakim Noah back in action for Knicks

Joakim Noah returned from a two-game absence with a sprained ankle. Noah has battled a series of ills, including flu and a hamstring which everybody concedes has hindered his acclimation to a new system.

“I feel better, but I still have a lot of work to do. Can’t get frustrated with the process,” Noah said. “Our team is definitely playing a lot better basketball right now. So just keep focusing on the positive and just keep focusing on my improvement. I’ve had a lot of knick-knacks from the start of this. The hamstring, ankles, I got sick. I’m just trying to get some consistency right now. … It’s going to come.”

NY Post

Quick Take: Noah started the game, played almost 25 minutes, and only put up two points and five rebounds. He’s having an underwhelming season so far.

Knicks sign Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah defends, passes and rebounds well but must stay healthy

Knicks sign Joakim Noah

The Knicks have signed center Joakim Noah. The deal is reportedly a $72 million dollar contract over four years.

“Acquiring Derrick Rose through a trade and securing Joakim Noah through free agency has given us a great ability to choose players that complement the incumbents Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis,” Knicks President Phil Jackson said. “As an organization, we look towards our next challenge of blending the skills of this talented group.”

Noah’s 2015-16 season was limited due to an injured left shoulder, appearing in just 29 games and averaging 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.00 block in 21.9 minutes per outing. He came off the bench for 27 of the 29 games that he did play last season.

After nine seasons in Chicago, Noah comes home to New York, bringing with him a highly decorated playing career, highlighted by winning the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, while finishing fourth in the Most Valuable Player voting. At 6-11, 230-pounds, the center appeared in two consecutive NBA All-Star Games (2013, 2014), was named to the All-NBA First Team (2014) and three NBA All-Defensive Teams (2011-second, 2013-first, 2014-first) and garnered the 2015 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

In 572 career games, Noah has averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.40 blocks in the regular season, and has appeared in 60 NBA Playoff games to average 9.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.77 blocks. He has recorded at least 250 assists in three consecutive seasons (2012-13 through 2014-15), becoming just the third center in the last 20 years to accomplish the feat (Vlade Divac, Hakeem Olajuwon). Noah has recorded seven career triple-doubles, including four during the 2013-14 season, joining the ranks of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and David Robinson as the only centers in league history with at least four point-rebound-assist triple-doubles in a single season.

Noah was originally selected by Chicago with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, following three seasons at the University of Florida where he was a member of two NCAA Championship teams. He played high school basketball at United Nations International School (Manhattan), Poly Prep Country Day School (Brooklyn) and Lawrenceville School (NJ). He was born in Manhattan to tennis star Yannick Noah and Cecilia Rodhe, Miss Sweden 1978.

Bulls issue statement praising Joakim Noah

Bulls issue statement praising Joakim Noah

Veteran center Joakim Noah has said goodbye to the Bulls and signed as a free agent with the Knicks. Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson and General Manager Gar Forman issued the following statements following Noah’s departure:

JERRY REINSDORF: “You cannot measure the impact Joakim made on our team and the City of Chicago over the last nine years. His concern, commitment and compassion were always on display. He is loved by all in our organization and he will always be a Bull. We want to thank Joakim for his countless contributions to our organization and the city of Chicago, both on and off the court, and we wish him nothing but the best as he begins a new chapter.”

JOHN PAXSON: “When we drafted Joakim in 2007, we knew that we were getting a kid with a strong spirit, was a hard worker and was a proven winner. What we didn’t know was the impact that he would make on our organization and the City of Chicago. He worked incredibly hard and eventually became the pulse of our team. Joakim has not only meant a lot to our entire organization and our city, but also to me personally. In this day and age in the NBA, it is rare where you come across a player as genuine, compassionate and real as Jo. The time and energy that he and his family put into his Foundation while he was here in Chicago speaks to the type of human being that he is. On behalf of the Chicago Bulls, I want to thank Joakim for everything that he did for us and I wish him the best as he moves on.”

GAR FORMAN: “I have always thought highly of Joakim, not only because of his efforts on the court and in the locker room, but also for his heartfelt work and dedication in the community. These are the tough decisions in this job that nobody likes to make, but unfortunately it comes with the territory. Joakim has meant so much to so many different people on so many different levels. I want to thank him for everything that he has done for our organization over the last nine years and I wish him all my best.”

Joakim Noah should return soon for Bulls

The Chicago Bulls (22-13) are getting 22.0 ppg from Jimmy Butler, 16.7 ppg from Pau Gasol, 14.6 ppg from Derrick Rose, and 10.6 ppg from Nikola Mirotic. Center Joakim Noah, in 22.3 minutes per game this season, is scoring just 4.5 ppg but also contributing an impressive 8.8 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.1 bpg. Here’s a health update from the Chicago Sun-Times:

Joakim Noah should return soon for Bulls

Sunday’s scheduled Bulls practice just took on a bit more meaning.

According to Fred Hoiberg, if Joakim Noah and his injured left shoulder can make it through an entire practice without a setback – including taking physical contact – the big man will likely be back in the rotation on Monday when Washington comes to town.

“He’s doing some activity [back in Chicago],’’ Hoiberg said of Noah on Saturday. “We’ll get him to do some live stuff [Sunday], and then hopefully he’ll get through a full practice. That’s the biggest thing right now is just getting through a live practice, which we have not done yet.’’