Utah Jazz Free Agency: Potential Center Targets
By Ryan Aston
Joakim Noah
2015-16 stats: 4.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 3.8 apg, .383 fg%, .489 ft%, 14.1 PER
Some would say that Joakim Noah has become a reclamation project. After losing his starting spot in the preseason, he battled shoulder problems during the early months of the 2015-16 campaign. In January, it was determined that he would require surgery to repair the damage and his season was done.
Still, just a few short years ago, Noah was one of the most impactful players in the league. He was the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time All-Star and the driving force on the floor for some Chicago Bulls teams that overachieved despite the Derrick Rose injury saga.
He’s been exactly the kind of player that Utah Jazz fans would like to see Gobert become. Someone who can captain an elite-level defense, grab a whole mess of rebounds, score the basketball, and distribute at a high level as a frontcourt player.
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Despite coming off a trying season, Noah should have a slew of suitors this summer. While he could remain with the Bulls, it seems an unlikely scenario. Regarding his future in Chicago, Bulls VP of basketball operations John Paxson had this to say–
"“Anybody who has spoken to either Gar [Forman] or I about Joakim, they know how we feel about him. He represents a lot of things that we believe in. To me, he’s one of the most genuine people I’ve ever been around in this business, as far as people go. So we have an affinity for Jo. But we’ve got to talk, we’ve got to see where it goes.’’"
He may not be the player he once was and he would never be “the man” in Salt Lake City like he was in Chi-Town. Still, if the Jazz are willing to spend and can sell him on the youth movement, he could be a valuable piece to the playoff puzzle in Utah.
Other free agent lists:
Point Guards
Shooting Guards
Small Forwards
Power Forwards