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Dallas Mavericks: Realistic Big-Name Targets In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joakim Noah, Unrestricted Free Agent

Position: Center
Age: 31 (2/25/1985)
Slash Line: .383/.000/.489
Season Averages: 21.9 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.0 ORPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 BPG

Just two years ago, Joakim Noah won Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-NBA First Team. Injuries limited his availability in both 2014-15 and 2015-16, but it stands to reason that he has something left in the tank.

If any coach can maximize what Noah still has to offer, it’s Rick Carlisle.

Noah can deliver a similar impact to what Zaza Pachulia provided in 2015-16: productive rebounding and gifted passing. In contrast to Pachulia, Noah is also one of the best defensive players in the NBA—when he’s healthy.

If Noah can remain healthy in Dallas, he can anchor the defense and contribute offensively without absorbing too much of the salary cap.

Even in his down season, 2015-16, Noah averaged 14.5 rebounds, 4.9 offensive boards, and 6.2 assists per 36 minutes. Injuries have hindered him in every sense of the word over the past two years, but Noah is far from a lost cause.

After Tyson Chandler got another postseason-caliber season in with the Mavericks in 2014-15, it stands to reason that Noah could do the same in 2016-17.

Next: Franchise Player?

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