New Knicks Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose (Photo : Ezra Shaw | Getty Images Sport)
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, who is out for the remainder of the season due to an injured shoulder, is reportedly emerging as a realistic free-agent target for the bigman-starved Dallas Mavericks, a team insider reported on Thursday.
Noah, former All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year, will become an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season, and it's widely speculated that he already played his last game with the Bulls.
According to Matt Mosley of Sports Day Dallas News, the Mavs have a realistic shot at Noah who he believes an upgrade to Zaza Pachulia. However, the NBA writer isn't sure if Noah is worth of investment for the Mavericks, considering the fact that he's coming off an injury and he'll not be making any major impact at all.
"I hate to hear folks turning on Zaza. The guy's been really good for much of the season. I think he just ran into a wall because of playing more minutes than ever. Noah would bring energy. I think fans would probably fall in love with him," Mosley stated.
"He's better than Zaza on defense, but let's not act like this guy can hold up against the Drummonds and Jordans of the world. Kevin Durant is the only player who could transform a franchise. And that's not happening."
Noah's production (4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per game) took a nose dive this season under first year head coach Fred Hoiberg even before he suffered a shoulder injury. However when healthy, Noah is easily one of the best defensive big men in the league and an excellent interior passer.
While Noah seems to be an 'in the bag' free-agent out there, this doesn't mean the Mavericks would stop from landing a big fish this summer. Kevin Durant remains on top of their wish list, while securing Chandler Parsons to stay in Big D is another issue that needs proper attention.
