Joakim Noah is back to playing basketball, with a new rekindled passion for the game that the league isn’t used to seeing in him.

The Memphis Grizzlies knew what they were getting themselves into when they inked the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year to a deal for the veteran’s minimum earlier this week.

Noah, 33, has been notorious for the surplus of grit and tenacity he has left on the floor throughout his successful 11-year NBA career, but he couldn’t keep his feelings inside for a second following the Grizzlies’ 96-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

“I’m here alone,” Noah said, per David Cobb of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I left my family behind. I’m here because I love to play basketball. It wasn’t because of money. It wasn’t because of any of those things. It was because I want to play basketball and I want to be with a good group.”

Though Noah ended his return with just four points in 13 minutes, he sees an exciting season coming with the Grizzlies, and he isn’t looking to take this opportunity for granted.

“I’m cherishing all these moments,” Noah said.

Memphis and Noah are definitely a suitable pair. Each possess the rough and tough style of play, and he should sit in as another quality veteran mentor for the young talent the team has acquired in the draft, most notably rookie Jaren Jackson Jr.

Joakim Noah and the Grizzlies will look to carry that intensity further into this season.