Everything's falling into the right place for Joakim Noah after getting a chance to rejoin his "brother" Derrick Rose, his years wearing the jersey of Patrick Ewing, and being under his longtime worshiped Phil Jackson.
The 7-foot former Bull, was in his glory at Friday's introductory press conference, after signing a $72 million contract and listing 72 million reasons why this coming-home scenario makes sense.
As a kid who grew up in Hell's Kitchen, he is really thrilled to be back in his roots.
Noah also listed several former Knicks players as his heroes -- from Ewing to Johnson to Chris Childs to Marcus Camby to Latrell Sprewell. "Not following in anyone's footsteps, but these are the people who shaped me," said Noah.
Noah said his connection with Jackson is strong. Yannick Noah, his father and a former French tennis star, had him read all of Jackson's books when he was a kid. "And I hate reading books," he said.
Noah’s dentist was a Jackson friend and once had put the two together on the phone briefly. Still, Jackson was stunned by Noah arriving at his doorstep.
“Joakim is somebody who has been on my list for a long time,’’ Jackson said. “Like to have this guy as a leader with the defensive attitude that he carries and likes to promote. Most players and a lot of coaches recognize this."
Source: New York Post
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