NBA Rumors: Joakim Noah Uses Mamba Mentality To Boost Return Hopes

NBA free agent Joakim Noah has always been known to be a fierce competitor. He showed it when he was still with the Chicago Bulls and this endeared him there and other teams. But things just haven't been the same for the 34-year-old who continues to wait on teams.

With the NBA trade deadline now days away, the chances of seeing Noah back this season could show a better picture. Several teams worked him out such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks. However, none offered him any deal.

Regardless, Noah is not giving up. In an Instagram post, the 9th overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft maintains he is still actively in pursuit of another opportunity to play.

"The grind can't stop. This is all I know," Noah wrote. "[Four] months post-Achilles surgery and I'm back on track. My goal is to get back out there and compete."

An offseason injury seems to be the culprit. NBC Sports noted how there were reports of a mysterious significant injury in the offseason are turning things off. It appears Noah went under the knife to address an Achilles injury, something that would make any team wary of signing a player up.

Nevertheless, Noah is not giving up. Aware that everyone is mourning Kobe Bryant's death, the two-time NBA All-Star plans to use some Mamba Mentality as he tries to make a basketball return. Though he did not mention it, he may be referring to the time when Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2013 against the Golden State Warriors. Despite mounting injuries, Bryant was able to play three more years. Noah may have something similar in mind.

With no takers at the moment, Noah plans to work on his fitness and grind until that all-important call comes. At his age and height, several teams could make use of the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The only question now is which team would take the chance. But in most likelihood, he would prefer to join a contender.

A return to Chicago would make sense but only if they are already done with their rebuilding efforts. Right now, Noah returning to his former team would not make sense.

Noah could start his return by lowering expectations. He is likely to be given a short-term deal at first. If he shows the same effort and energy, then maybe his luck may extend. For now, he needs to get that opportunity and hopefully return to the NBA.