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NBA Rumors: Where Should Joakim Noah Land In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) complains about a foul call against him during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 130-105. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) complains about a foul call against him during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 130-105. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) look on against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) look on against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have a franchise player in point guard Damian Lillard and a rising star in shooting guard C.J. McCollum. Portland also has one of the best coaches in the NBA in Terry Stotts, who rounds out the foundation for intrigue in the Pacific Northwest.

Joakim Noah’s recent injury history pushes Portland down this list, but he’d be a wonderful fit with the Trail Blazers’ current core.

Portland relied upon the versatility of Mason Plumlee in 2015-16, utilizing his passing ability to provide balance to the offense. Plumlee is certainly a better athlete, but you can count on one hand how many big men facilitate better than Noah.

For those who have conveniently overlooked his impact, Noah has averaged at least 5.5 assists per 36 minutes in each of the past three seasons.

In Portland, Noah would come to town with the purpose of solidifying the interior defense and providing fluidity offensively. He’s not a scorer, but he’s an excellent rebounder, passer, and defender who provides non-stop energy.

Portland needs more than just Noah, but adding him to a 44-win team that needs a high-caliber center would be a very solid move.

Next: Dallas Mavericks