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Memphis Grizzlies: 4 Reasons to Love Possibility of Signing Joakim Noah

By Christian Dudley

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks and Sasha Vujacic #18 react against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks and Sasha Vujacic #18 react against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Keeping the Foot Down

Heading into their Monday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis owns the NBA’s best team defense, allowing just 100.8 points per game.

The Memphis Grizzlies are not at all focused on scoring the rock because they know their stifling defense will lead to offensive opportunities. This is another reason why it makes sense to add Joakim Noah to the roster.

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Noah was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013-14 season as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Eerily enough, Marc Gasol won the award one year prior.

Joakim Noah is one of the best defensive players, especially among center candidates, of this decade. It is crazy how quickly Joakim fell from stardom after being named an NBA All-Star twice in his professional career.

Memphis is known to revive and prolong careers of former NBA All-Stars. This deal would make perfect sense because it provides another opportunity for a player that is undoubtedly defensive-minded. Plus, he will come at a cheap rate (assumed to be a veteran’s minimum salary).

Joakim would be an excellent fit because of his defensive nature. The three-time All-Defensive center led the association in defensive win shares at 6.6 in the 2013-14 season. Though he is not the same player today, this continues to demonstrate where Noah is coming from. He would help bolster the league’s best defense. What more could you ask from your 15th man?

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