Joakim Noah is a 6'11 athletic PF/C. He is a high-energy, defensive player. He is an above average ball handler for his size and position but is in dire need of some offensive development. He was expected to be the #1 pick in 2006 and will be subjected to much analysis this season.
He is in definite need of added muscle this season but with the NBA moving toward faster, smaller lineups he might be able to thrive as a center in a small lineup due to his ball handling, shot blocking and speed. He is already an elite NBA level athlete for his position and an able and willing passer.
I also think this kid has the personality to be a star in the NBA.
I love Noah's passion, ability to do the little things. He doesn't have an offensive game that would translate to the NBA right now. He doesn't have any go-to moves on offense and doesn't have any range on his jumper. He's good great size, arm-span, athletic ability but the NBA-Draft.net comparison of Tyson Chandler will be pretty accurate unless he expands his game.
I wouldn't put too much stock in his statistics so far this season. Both games were complete blowouts against terrible teams. We all know that Noah does his best in big games.
Both are long and athletic, but lack any kind of offensive moves. Most of Noah's point come off of broken hustle plays or tip-ins. He'll be a solid defensive player in the league, but there's no way will he be anything more than a 10ppg scorer.
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If you want to say that Noah has no mid range jumper (or it looks broken) that is fine but to say he has no offensive game shows me that you are not really watching him play. The guy plays on a loaded team and does not get many looks due to double teams and zones but he does have a back to the basket game and he can face up and drive. Plus he can catch and finish. He also is an above average passer from the high post and with his back to the basket. The kid has game and still has potential to grow as a player.
Just an aside, I just finished watching 4 Florida games and the little things he does on the court are amazing. On another board someone described him as a 7 foot Shane Battier and I can agree with that fact. However, he is an above average athlete for his position. I always find it funny he is killed on message boards as being overrated.
What is the big deal about this guy? He has been outplayed by smaller guys in both games vs. LSU and Tennessee. This passion **** is overrated. It's like the same crap with Adam Morrison all over. Hey Mateen Cleaves has passion, let's draft him 1st.
Talent is what matters, not how many ugly faces you make. I predict John Scheyer will be talked about in the coming years, because of his "Passion."
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Joakim Noah
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