Joakim Noah was without a job until the Los Angeles Clippers inked the 13-year veteran to a 10-day contract in March.
The former Defensive Player of the Year had some deep playoff runs during his prime as a member of the Chicago Bulls, and he's looking to impart some of that wisdom to his new teammates as the Clippers prepare for their title pursuit.
"I know that I'm in an environment right now with a winning culture and a team that's really trying to win a championship and there's not much more I could ask for," Noah told The Athletic's Jovan Buha. "Regardless of what my role is, I'm grateful. I know I'm as ready as I can be.
"So it's not about comparing myself to past years or even last year, it's just being the best that I can be physically and using my experience to be there for the guys."
During Noah's brief time with the club, he's spent some time with starting center Ivica Zubac, allowing the young big man to pick the veteran's brain.
An underrated aspect of the Joakim Noah signing: mentoring Ivica Zubac. Noah, a former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star, will certainly be a positive voice in Zubac’s ear during Noah’s time with the Clippers (and in the playoffs if he’s re-signed). pic.twitter.com/qLAug1IAiq
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 11, 2020
Noah will likely serve as insurance behind Zubac and Montrezl Harrell at the five-spot, but his spot on Los Angeles' roster almost never came to be.
The Florida product injured his Achilles just days before a scheduled workout with the Clippers last September. A day after undergoing surgery, Noah resumed training and the team monitored his progress throughout the 2019-20 campaign.
"I knew that if I didn't train and the day came that the Clippers would call and I wasn't ready, I would have a lot of regrets," Noah said. "And it's what kept me training is that hope of making this team. It wasn't about the money. It wasn't about any of that.
"It was about being able to finish my career on a team that has a common goal."
