The Los Angeles Clippers have signed 2x all-star, Joakim Noah for the rest of the NBA season. Lawrence Frank, the President of Clippers Basketball Operations, announced on Sunday. The 35-year-old center will add depth to the Clippers’ lineup.
The team has signed two-time All-Star @JoakimNoah. https://t.co/Aqe3AIOtCG
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 28, 2020
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The 2014 DPOTY had earlier signed a 10-day contract with the Clippers two days before the play suspension. In an interview with The Athletic’s Jovan Buha Noah talked about the prospects of his return to the NBA.
The Los Angeles Clippers will get a mentor in Joakim Noah
The 6’11” center will most likely be a backup for Ivica Zubac who is currently the starting center for the clippers. When asked about his role in mentoring the younger players like Zubac, Noah said:
“I just want to talk to (Zubac) about some of the things that I’ve been through… I’ve been in situations where we had championship aspirations and then injuries kind of derailed that. So it’s just not taking your opportunities for granted. And just because you’re a young player doesn’t mean that these situations happen all the time. So it’s just like really living in the moment.”
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Noah will have a considerable impact on their Playoff run
The elite big man was also asked about his general role with the Los Angeles Clippers this season. The Clippers are currently seeded 2nd in the West and have made quite a good impression on Noah who said:
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“The way I look at it is I know that I’m in an environment right now with a winning culture and a team that’s really trying to win a championship and there’s not much more I could ask for… Regardless of what my role is, I’m grateful. I know I’m as ready as I can be. So it’s not about comparing myself to past years or even last year, it’s just being the best that I can be physically and using my experience to be there for the guys.”
Joakim Noah will be entering his 13th season when the NBA resumes in Orlando. Over the past 12 seasons, he has played for the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies. In the 2018-2019 season, he averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 42 games for the Grizzlies. Though his minutes this season will be limited, he will still be a key role-player for the Clippers in the Playoffs.