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Five free agents Warriors should stay away from

By Carlos Murillo

Dec 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) passes to guard Jimmy Butler (21) with Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) looking on during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) passes to guard Jimmy Butler (21) with Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) looking on during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joakim Noah

Warriors
Jan 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dislocating his shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

The Warriors want a center, but Joakim Noah isn’t who they should look at.

Once upon a time, Joakim Noah was an MVP candidate.

In the 2013-14, he finished fourth in Most Valuable Player voting, behind Durant, LeBron James, and Blake Griffin. He was one of the league’s best big men, patrolling the paint for a Chicago Bulls team that was supposed to contend every year with Derrick Rose at the peak of his powers.

Noah has struggled to stay on the court over the last two years, playing only 29 games in the 2015-16 season. He averaged a career low in points (4.3) and the least amount of rebounds since his second year in the NBA (8.8). He played just 21 minutes per game while starting just two of them after losing his starting spot in Fred Hoiberg‘s first year in the league.

At his best, Noah was one of the best rim protectors that could score with his limited opportunities and find teammates all over the floor. He’s been one of the best passing big men in the Association who could be used at the high post to find shooters or slashers everywhere. His jump shot is broken, but he’s averaged double-digits five times.

He was a great glue guy for the Bulls. He was their Draymond Green. He’s an intense competitor that hates to lose and will do anything to will his team to victory. He dives for loose balls and will be the emotional spark for his squad.

But he’s too big of a risk for the money that he wants. It’s been several years since Noah was an elite player in the league and he wants to get paid like one. His limited offensive game has diminished over the last several seasons. Luckily the New York Knicks seem to want to re-unite Noah with Rose.

If the Warriors wanted to have a defensive-minded, injury-prone center with little-to-no offensive game, then they’d just keep the ones they have.

Next: Turn down the volume (shooting)

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