Noah 'going to give all he has' for Knicks, father says
Dad knows best.
Joakim Noah signed with his hometown New York Knicks earlier this offseason, and though he's been effusive in his praise of the opportunity, there may be one person who's even more excited for him.
His father, Yannick, who was rocking a Knicks hat while attending a US Open match in New York on Sunday, is thrilled about his son getting to suit up for the team he supported as a child.
"It means the world to him," the former tennis player told George Willis of the New York Post. "We used to go to the Garden when he was a kid, watching games, watching Patrick (Ewing) play. To know that he's going to play in the Garden, we feel so blessed. He's preparing hard. He has a lot of hope and he can't wait."
The 6-foot-11 center joins a club that revamped its roster via a blockbuster trade and free agency. Headed to the Big Apple with Noah is Derrick Rose - his longtime teammate on the Chicago Bulls - plus the likes of Justin Holiday, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings, Marshall Plumlee, and Guillermo Hernangomez.
Related: Noah says 'It made too much sense' to join Knicks with Rose
With all that incoming talent, expectations are higher for the Knicks, who've missed the playoffs for three straight seasons. Noah's father is optimistic, though unlike Rose, he stopped short of calling them a "superteam."
"It's a great team," he said. "If they find the chemistry, I think it's a great team. I think (Joakim is) very happy to have his friend (Rose) here and a lot of great players. He feels very privileged and very honored to play for Phil Jackson, too. I used to give him all of Phil's books. He read all the books."
He continued: "It's a great opportunity for him. He's going to give all he has for the city. ... He's not taking it for granted, believe me. He can't wait to play and compete and dominate for the Knicks."
Noah sat out most of the 2015-16 campaign due to a left shoulder injury. Over his nine years in the Windy City, he recorded 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, three assists, and 1.4 blocks in just under 30 mins per outing.