Joakim Noah (Florida)

[MaSSaCrE]

JOAKIM NOAH

NBA Comparison: Tyson Chandler (higher basketball IQ)

Strengths: Extremely long, fluid/mobile player who runs the court like a guard … For his size, Noah’s is a surprisingly solid ball handler … This becomes evident when he gets the ball in the high post and dribbles past his man for a lay-up … High energy player who plays games with great passion and intensity … Great lateral quickness which enables him to be an excellent help defender when the perimeter defense breaks down … Great motor, constantly moves without the ball in his hands trying to get open … Passing ability is top notch for a player at his position … Displays good touch around the basket … Excellent finisher in transition where he converts with ease … Offensively he has two crucial physical tools which will facilitate his back to the basket development: long arms and good hands … Thanks to his aggressive play, Noah does a good job of drawling fouls from the opposition … Tough minded kid who possess a warrior attitude in that he loves to compete and never backs down from physical play … Is a great rebounder who understands how to use his frame and long arms … Shows great body control as he is able to get knocked around and still finish … Despite being a junior, Noah has untapped potential …

Weaknesses: Upper body strength needs to improve which would benefit him in several ways. But it should be noted that his body type (narrow shoulders) suggests that he will never have much bulk ... Despite being a solid shot blocker, he bites on pump fakes far too easy and lacks timing … Picks up careless fouls due to his high energy level as he gets a little to aggressive … Still goes through periods where he doesn’t make the best decisions though not because of court intelligence but excess passion and intensity … Offensively Noah’s back to the basket game remains undeveloped … Would really benefit in working on his post footwork, a turnaround jumper, and a solid up and under move … Athletically he is not what one would call a superior athlete, gets everything though his strong will … Double teams can trouble him as he fails to read and react quickly enough … Lack of strength hurts him from setting up and getting good low post position …Below average mid-range shooter who lacks consistency and must continue to expand his range. The mechanics on his shooting form is something out of a horror movie, and even with a lot of work on it hasn’t shown much improvement (but he shoots free throws at a respectable clip) … There will be some concern about what his natural NBA position is …

[mild sauce]

I'm not too high on Noah, tall and thin, not very athletic though, although he's also smart and plays very well in clutch situations. However, I highly question his offensive skills and especially how they'll translate to the NBA game, and that's what the Bulls really need there is offense, although having him there to help Big Ben would be very nice. I say the Bulls should go after him if he's available around the 7th pick or so and the Bulls have that pick. I think there's enough better players that would suit the Bulls before that. However, I don't think he'll be available there either.