LA Clippers sign Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum, Joakim Noah heads towards retirement after being waived

LA Clippers sign Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum, Joakim Noah heads towards retirement after being waived
Joakim Noah, Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum

The Los Angeles Clippers are waiving two-time All-Star Joakim Noah, who would be ending his 13-year-old long NBA career, as per his agent Bill Duffy. The NBA fanatics would recall Noah as one of the best defenders in his prime while playing for Chicago Bulls. On the contrary LA Clippers have signed Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum. 

Both these players are nowhere near their prime and have had respective issues dealing with their form. But they are signed with the hopes of putting balance all over the court and hopefully giving some game time off to their marquee players. Coming back to Noah, he became a three-time All-Defensive performer and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14. 

Joakim Noah heads towards retirement after being waived by LA Clippers 

“What an illustrious career for Joakim, starting with two national titles at the University of Florida, to becoming an NBA Defensive Player of the Year and ultimately evolving into one of the most passionate, spirited players to ever come through our sport,” Duffy told ESPN on Tuesday night. “It’s been my honor to represent Joakim through his journey.” 

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Talking about the Clippers’ signing, Batum is nowhere near his prime. In fact, endured a tough couple of seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before getting waived last week. However, we have seen several players benefiting immensely from a change of scenery and that could be the case for the Frenchman as well. On paper, he’ll offer three-point shooting, defense, and positional versatility to the LA Clippers. 

The other signing, Reggie Jackson, has been signed on a one-year deal. Jackson played an important role for former head coach Doc Rivers’ side by averaging 9.5 points a game on over 40% shooting from downtown. There are rumors that Jackson’s role with this roster can be greater and he could add more value if used properly. But given their form, Clippers need to be consistent through the entire 2020-21 season. Their pre-season starts from December 11 against arch city rivals and defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers. 

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