By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Joakim Noah is back in the NBA. He has signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Noah parted ways with the New York Knicks in October. Noah will join Ivan Rabb in backing up Marc Gasol.
The 33-year-old New York, New York native appeared in just seven games during the 2017-18 season. He averaged 1.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks.
He signed a four-year, $72.6 million deal with the Knicks when former executive Phil Jackson was leading the front office. Since signing that contract, he was a disaster in the Big Apple.
With Noah signing with the Grizzlies, his $18.5 million cap hit with the Knicks is reduced by $522,252. New York will then be charged $6.4 million over the next three years as a stretch provision.
He lasted just two seasons with the Knicks. He appeared in 53 games, including 46 starts. He averaged 4.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
He spent his first nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He appeared in 572 games, including 465 starts. He averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks.
In the past three seasons — two with the Knicks and his final season with the Bulls — he appeared in just 85 games with 48 starts.
This is a gamble for the Grizzlies, because Noah has been hampered by injuries the past several seasons. They are hoping he can give them a boost as they attempt to make the playoffs this season.
