Clippers need Joakim Noah to be ready
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center Joakim Noah needs to be ready when called upon, head coach Doc Rivers said.
"We need him to be a solid veteran player, we need him to be a leader as much as he can lead, to be a great example, to be a teacher to [Ivica Zubac], and then really just to be ready when called upon," coach Doc Rivers said Sunday during a videoconference with reporters. "I think mentally he's in the right space right now to be ready, so I think he will be." Montrezl Harrell has reportedly left the Orlando bubble in order to attend to an emergency family matter and Zubac's status is currently unknown. If nothing progresses, Noah could be the Clippers' only center when they return to the court on July 30 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Noah was signed by the Clippers in late June. The last time he played was March 23, 2019 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Noah averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 16.5 minutes over 42 games with the Grizzlies in 2018-19. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Clippers have the third-best odds (+320) to win the NBA Championship.
- Anthony Davis (back) cleared to play in Game 2 for Lakers Monday April 22nd, 2024
- Lakers' LeBron James (ankle) available for Game 2 Monday April 22nd, 2024
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful for Bucks in Game 2 Tuesday April 22nd, 2024
- Haynes: Joel Embiid (injury recovery) will play in 76ers' playoff game Monday April 22nd, 2024
- 76ers' Tyrese Maxey (illness) cleared to play in Game 2 Monday April 22nd, 2024
- Timberwolves' Kyle Anderson (hip) questionable for Game 2 Tuesday April 22nd, 2024
- Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (knee) questionable for Game 2 Tuesday April 22nd, 2024
- Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (knee) officially out for Game 1 Sunday April 21st, 2024
- Mason Plumlee coming off Clippers' Game 1 bench on Sunday April 21st, 2024
- Ivica Zubac (ankle) starting Game 1 Sunday for Clippers; Mason Plumlee back to bench April 21st, 2024
- P.J. Tucker coming off Clippers' bench on Sunday for Game 1 April 21st, 2024
- Paul George (knee) starting Game 1 Sunday for Los Angeles; P.J. Tucker back to bench April 21st, 2024