Did anyone hear comments from GP that he made concerning initial tele conversation with Andres? He said the guy was incredibly enthusiastic, even giddy about joining the Kings. The quote from Noci was something like, "I can't wait to get there, I'll do whatever the coach wants me to do, start, come of bench, just play hard."
Andres is very outgoing and personable, but most important a winner - like fellow countryman Manu Ginobili. While some say the both are floppers Manu takes it to a ridiculous art form - Andres not as much. Noci who is obviously bigger, more well built than Ginobili likes to dish it out instead of simply flopping at first contact. I don't want to oversell him, but Andres is now at his prime at 29 and 2 years younger than Manu. San Antonio now seems quite concerned that Ginobili has been breaking down more and more as he ages.
Lastly, every time I think of a reputed "tough" Euro/Int'l player I think assumption is all of them are soft - wrong! Some are, some are not. Also, some are relatively early NBA bloomers because they often played professionally for years before reaching these shores. Most are not. Look at Vlade Divac who came to the Lakers at age 19 or Dirk Nowitzki to Dallas at the same age. Both took several years to develop into "stars" or "superstars." There's lots of other examples. Noci has only been in the NBA just 4 years and there's no reason his next 2-3 seasons with the Kings (if it's that long) won't be his best pro stint ever.
We shall see... but I know I'm going to enjoy his all-out intensity with opinion that he'll most likely be the first (maybe only) King I'd trust having my back in that 'ol fox hole kind of analogy. Hope springs eternal Kings fans! Viva Argentina! Go Kings!!