Mar 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center
Joakim Noah(13) reacts to a technical foul call during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
4. Joakim Noah
2014-2015 Stats: 7.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 BPG, 45% FG, 15.3 PER
I know what you are thinking – how is this guy even in this conversation? Well, if you missed it, apparently the Chicago Bulls are planning on starting Nikola Mirotic over Joakim Noah this season.
Report: Bulls leaning toward starting Nikola Mirotic over Joakim Noah https://t.co/DQ9YNI2XTt
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) October 21, 2015
Whew! I did not see that coming. I mean it’s not really all that big of a surprise. Was there anyone who suffered more with Thibodeau’s excessive playing time issue than Noah? Last year, he was a shell of himself and struggled with injuries throughout the entire course of the season.
That being said, he could be a viable 6th man of the year candidate. Yes, the Chicago Bulls have a log jam in the frontcourt. That is true and Bobby Portis‘ surprising early success does not help. But Noah could be the very thing the Bulls need off the bench.
He is one of the rare big men who can facilitate as well. He is a gifted passer and his energy has always been his saving grace. His motor has earned him numerous honors and, despite his side-spinning jumper, he is still considered a good center.
This could be just what the doctor ordered, 20- 25 minutes a game, and in that span he can give maximum effort and annoy the other team to no end.
I know I have been singing his praises, but there is a reason I also have him ranked fourth on this list and not first. Injuries are a huge concern as well as the feeling that he may just be burnt out. Plus, with Fred Hoiberg taking the helm, shooting takes precedence in the Bulls new system and that is something Noah just can’t do.
Also, if something happens to Gasol or Mirotic, Noah could just have to start enough games to take him out of consideration for 6th man. It is extremely hard to project what this guy has left and how he fits the new-look Bulls, but one thing is for sure – you know he will give it his all no matter what.
Next: No. 3