Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after being called for a foul during the second half in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Washington Wizards defeats the Chicago Bulls 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Joakim Noah, C Chicago Bulls
The most dominant defensive player we have in the game today is Joakim Noah. I don’t think people realize what kind of a competitor and how good Noah really is. He has continuously improved his offensive game and carried the team on his back last season and led them to a playoff appearance. Noah can do anything on the court that is asked of him and for him to be a center and be that reliable is magnificent. Much like Drummond, Noah dominated the low block offensively and defensively finishing with averages of 12.6 points per game, 11.3 rebounds per game, and 1.5 blocks per game.
As a center, Noah has seven career triple-doubles and four of them came last season. In my time, I haven’t seen any big man be this all-around and still not receive the credit. In the month of March last season, Noah finished with 120 assists, which is the most by an NBA center since Wilt Chamberlain had 155 in March 1968.
Not impressed yet?
On March 2, 2014, Noah recorded a triple-double in which he had 14 assists, which as the most ever by a Bulls center, and the most by a center in the NBA since 1986.
There is no way this man gets the deference he deserves. He only has one Defensive Player of the Year Award, but he will win many more of those. Noah is a winner and some critics are saying he has to win a championship for him to get the credit he deserves. That is fine, but as of right now he is still the most underrated player in the NBA.
*All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference