Joakim Noah had quite the journey leading up to getting signed by the Los Angeles Clippers in March. During a conference call with reporters on Saturday, Noah talked about the adversities he faced — including the Achilles injury he suffered back in September 2019.
“I was supposed to work out with them in September right before the season started,” the new Clippers center said, per NBC Sports. “I was ready. I was really excited for the opportunity, and then, you know, just from up with one minute to the next, I cut my Achilles.” I told myself that that's just not how I wanted to end my career.”
Despite suffering an Achilles injury at 35 years old, Noah didn't give up on his NBA career. He spent six months rehabbing in hopes he can get another shot on making the team.
“So you know, the day after the surgery, I was in the gym working out with the hope of making this team. I knew that if I didn't keep training and if I got a call from the Clippers and I wasn't ready, I knew I would have regrets for the rest of my life. So I kept training, and to be in this position right now, I feel very fortunate to be in this position, being with God, great players, being in a position to win a championship, it's not something that I take for granted,” the veteran big man added.
Due to his hard work, Joakim Noah received a 10-day contract from the Clippers in March, and just recently, he was signed for the remainder of the season. Noah will provide the Clips with playoff experience and additional depth at the center position. Furthermore, he'll serve as a mentor for Ivica Zubac, who has shown signs of promise.
As for the Clippers, they were having their best season in franchise history before the NBA hiatus, and they'll look to continue that when the season resumes on July 31. They're currently the second seed in the Western Conference with a record of 44-20.
Follow Us
Subscribe