Oct 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) blocks the shot of Detroit Pistons shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Joakim Noah is known as a warrior on the court. He’s often fought through injuries, but this time Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wants him as healthy as he can be for the start of the season. That’s why Thibodeau has decided to shutdown Noah for a week following a groin strain that he suffered at some point during training camp.
"[via Bulls.com]“We’re going to shut Jo down,” Thibodeau said following the team’s shootaround at the United Center. “He’s got a little soreness (in his groin) so we want to make sure we get that taken care of. So probably another week or so. We just want to make sure he’s completely healthy before we move forward.”"
Noah had been battling the injury throughout preseason and had just made his preseason debut a few days ago (Wednesday), and now he will probably miss the remainder of the preseason. The Bulls open the season in Miami when they take on the NBA’s defending back-to-back champs, which is more than likely the next time we will see Noah on the court for the Bulls.
Last season, Noah only appeared in 66 games for the Bulls and averaged nearly 12 points and 11 rebounds per game.