Dallas Mavericks: 5 ‘tough vets’ to pursue this upcoming free agency

Joakim Noah

A former Defensive Player of the Year winner in the 2013-14 NBA season, Joakim Noah is a player that could fit the mold of what the Dallas Mavericks need. Noah, 35, is currently sitting at the end of the LA Clippers’ bench, serving as a savvy mentor to their young center Ivica Zubac, not seeing much action due to their incredible depth.

Although he is not the Defensive Player of the Year, 3-time All-Defensive honoree, and 2-time All-Star that he once was, Noah’s toughness on the court has never declined. This grittiness was a significant reason as to why the LA Clippers signed him in the first place. Via Kurt Helin of NBC Sports:

"“Joakim is a relentless competitor and a proven winner,” said Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. “His experience, acumen and toughness fir well in our locker room.”"

For a Dallas Mavericks team that is looking to invest in a tough, defensive-focused veteran, Joakim Noah would be a solid addition to their frontcourt. With Dwight Powell likely to miss extended time, potentially into next season as he rehabs from a ruptured Achilles, Dallas was already seemingly in the market for a big man.

Noah played in just five regular-season games in 2019-20 and saw a single minute of action in LA’s first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, so there is not much to go off of in terms of evaluating. Still, if Dallas wants that contagious competitive presence in their locker room and on the court, that is always a guarantee from Joakim Noah.