Joakim Noah entered the NBA as one of the most promising stars in the league. When he was sent to the New York Knicks with Derrick Rose, many thought his troubled years with the Chicago Bulls are over. However, it looks like the issues have only started as the French man could be moving out once again this season.
The New York Knicks initially came off as potential playoffs favorites with Derrick Rose joining forces with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. With Joakim Noah alongside the two elite stars, the Brandon Jennings team was as promising as ever. But, things started to fall apart as soon as injuries plagued the group with the former Chicago Bulls center being the latest to fall victim to the health problems.
Rumors are rife that the injuries of their star players are not the only issues in the New York Knicks. Critics claim that the Carmelo Anthony team has been reportedly facing management issues in the past with Phil Jackson and the rest of the front office execs. This means that the poor performance of their stars could be the alleged result of concerns off the court.
These are basically the same concerns that pushed the Joakim Noah trade from the Chicago Bulls. Among the veterans in the Jimmy Butler team, only Pau Gasol so far has been reportedly thriving in his new team with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spanish All-Star has been said to serve as a pretty good support system for Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green. With this in mind, fans think that the same success could be achieved if the New York Knicks agree to a Joakim Noah trade. That is, a more stable and drama-free environment with the likes of veterans Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili might benefit the big man.
"At the end of the day, we are one group. We've just got to play smart and maximize everyone's capabilities. Now and then, you have to give up some of yourself for the betterment of your team," shared Pau Gasol of the San Antonio Spurs.
Other NBA teams also praise the San Antonio Spurs not only for their success rate but also their culture. In fact, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly aiming to eventually evolve into a team resembling the stability and talent of the Kawhi Leonard team.
"They've been around for a while, especially that group. That core group has been together forever. They've won NBA championships and that's a championship kind of a team right now, too. Those guys have been together for a while and that's something we're working toward," said Jordan Clarkson of the San Antonio Spurs.
What do you think? Will a Joakim Noah trade be the best answer to the French man's woes? Will he thrive in the San Antonio Spurs like Pau Gasol?
