Joakim Noah’s tenure with the New York Knicks ended unceremoniously, but now he has a second chance by way of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Joakim Noah’s long exile from the NBA is finally coming to a close. Following the end of his tenure with the New York Knicks, Noah began seeking another opportunity to prove himself. According to Shams Charania, Noah will have that opportunity in Memphis. Charania reports that the Grizzlies are signing Noah to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.
Noah’s fall from grace was swift. When he signed a massive contract with the Knicks in 2016, he was only two years removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year. In his first season with the Knicks, he failed to live up to his billing as a defensive stalwart and an opportunistic offensive player.
His time in New York was riddled with injuries, suspensions and, of course, his eventual exile. In his second year with the Knicks, a feud with head coach Jeff Hornacek led to his demise with the organization.
As a result of his poor play and constant melodrama in New York, teams weren’t knocking down his door for the chance to sign the former All-Star. But Memphis obviously feels he can be a solid fit.
Memphis employs a unique brand of basketball in today’s era of pace and space. The Grizzlies love to slow the game down and use their signature grit-and-grind play style. Noah’s commitment to defense and crashing the boards could prove to be valuable for Memphis’ second unit.
