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Joakim Noah News & Rumors

Noah concerned about recurring ankle woes
May 14
ESPN.com
 
"Dealing with the frustration of a first-round exit and the helplessness of being sidelined by injury again, Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah enters the offseason hoping for brighter days with Team France in the Olympics. "I'm gunning for it," Noah said recently. "I'm hoping that I'll be healthy and be able to play." Noah sprained his left ankle in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quartefinals against the Philadelphia 76ers and missed the final two games as the Bulls became the fifth No. 1 seed to be knocked out by an eighth seed. Noah missed 34 games last season, largely due to a torn ligament in his hand. He also sprained an ankle and missed three games in April, 2011. The ankle had to be"
Busy summer ahead for Noah
May 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"As he pulled his black sports car out of the Berto Center parking lot Friday afternoon, a weary Joakim Noah said he felt lost after the Bulls' unexpected first-round exit. Whenever he finds himself, Noah plans a busy summer. "I have to strengthen my ankles," said Noah, who missed the final three games with a sprained left ankle. "I've had too many ankle injuries throughout the years. It's frustrating because I worked hard to keep my body right. The ankle injury was unfortunate. Going full speed like that and landing on somebody's foot, that could've happened to anybody. But it's frustrating." Noah has missed seven regular-season and three postseason games with sprained ankles over his five"
Noah, Boozer want Bulls to remain intact for next season
May 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Carlos Boozer will face the heat in Miami after all. He just will do so as a family man, not a forward, and without the teammates most predicted to reprise last season's Eastern Conference finals. While debate over his disappearing act in the Bulls' season-ending loss Thursday night rages in Chicago, Boozer will travel soon to his offseason home in Florida with his family. "Oh my goodness, you have no idea how bad we'd like that shot (against the Heat)," Boozer said Friday from his idling car. "I'd rather still be playing, but we fell short." The Bulls gathered for one final time in the 2011-12 season at the Berto Center, conducting individual player meetings with management and a team"
Joakim Noah a game-time call
May 10
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, who has sat out the past two games with a sprained ankle, will be a game-time decision, and forward Taj Gibson says he will play against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 Thursday night of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Noah, who declined to speak with reporters at the team shootaround Thursday morning, sprained his left ankle during Game 3 on Friday. X-rays were negative, but Noah left Wells Fargo Arena on crutches, his foot in an air cast. "I'm feeling better," Noah told BullsTV on Tuesday, his first interview since the injury. "I'm just trying to get out there for the next game.""
Swelling down, but Noah remains out for Game 5
May 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were at the Berto Center on Monday. While the swelling in Noah's severely sprained left ankle has subsided some, he remains in a walking boot and is out for Game 5 on Tuesday. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau continued his cat-and-mouse game regarding injuries, merely conceding Noah is "most likely out." But minutes later, he said the same starting lineup from Game 4 featuring Omer Asik at center would start Game 5. "He did a good job for us," Thibodeau said of Asik. "He has to keep doing what he does — anchor the defense, protect the rim, set great screens, run the floor. Just do his job.""
Omer Asik fills in nicely for injured Joakim Noah
May 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With center Joakim Noah out with a twisted left ankle, backup Omer Asik was the next man up for the Bulls. Asik made only his third start of the season in the Bulls' 89-82 loss Sunday to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series and finished with one point, six rebounds and three blocked shots in 22 minutes, 30 seconds. ''He played great,'' forward Carlos Boozer said of Asik. ''He stepped into a tough situation in a hostile environment and did well.''"
Noah gamely gave it a go
May 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"The sight of Joakim Noah tossing in one more "Tornado" jumper and then barely being able to run back on defense will linger, a snapshot of a proud, tough-minded player giving his all. But Noah's 2 minute, 6 second, fourth-quarter stint in Friday night's loss to the 76ers also raised questions. Specifically: Did Noah's re-entry make the sprained left ankle that has him doubtful for Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals even worse? "He thought he could go," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Sometimes you can get through it. Obviously he was struggling.""
Bulls face Game 4 with Noah likely out as well as Rose
May 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"ll hope isn't lost. Tom Thibodeau still had his comfort phrase at the ready, said he has a game-time decision to make for Sunday's must-win Game 4. Unfortunately for the Bulls, it's not regarding Derrick Rose, who obviously is out with the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. It's not even regarding Joakim Noah, whom Thibodeau called "doubtful" with a badly sprained left ankle. Doubtful in Thibodeau's dictionary means out. And though Thibodeau said X-rays confirmed no fracture, pessimism exists within the organization that Noah will be sidelined for weeks. Nope, it's regarding who will start for Noah, who hobbled to a film session at the team hotel on crutches, unable to put"
Bulls' Joakim Noah illustrates why Dwight doesn't make right
April 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"On a day that saw Dwight Howard embroiled in a tense controversy that torpedoed the Orlando Magic's championship hopes, Joakim Noah was in the locker room at halftime of Thursday night's game against the Boston Celtics, trying to figure out why the Bulls had played yet another lethargic half. His nonstop hustle helped wipe out an 11-point halftime deficit with a second-half performance and victory that re-established the team's identity. ''We count on Jo's energy every night,'' coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''He and Ronnie [Brewer] provide that — their hustle. When they make great hustle plays, it unites and inspires the rest of the team, and we can move forward, and all of a sudden everybody"
Joakim Noah apologizes to ref after throwing a ball at him during Sunday's game
March 26
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Hoping to avoid a suspension, a contrite Joakim Noah publicly apologized to referee Derrick Collins for disputing a foul call and tossing a ball at him in frustration Saturday. Noah's actions led to two technical fouls and his ejection from the Bulls' 102-101 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors at the United Center. ''I just want to apologize to the referee for coming at him like that. I was wrong,'' Noah said after practice Sunday at the Berto Center. ''I was frustrated at the call. I overreacted. And I just hope he reads this and accepts my apology.''"
Bulls' Noah avoids suspension
March 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Maybe the fact Joakim Noah apologized to the officiating crew that ejected him from Saturday's victory over Toronto four times in just over a minute helped. Maybe the fact Noah merely gently tossed the ball in official Derrick Collins' direction instead of firing it, a la Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, played a factor. Whatever the case, Noah avoided Rondo's punishment — a two-game suspension — and will play Monday night against the Nuggets. Noah's only fine is the $3,000 for each technical foul he drew and $2,000 for his ejection."
Noah's ejection could lead to suspension
March 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah could face disciplinary action from the league office after his second career ejection that featured him tossing the ball in the direction of official Scott Foster. With 1 minute, 28 seconds left in the first half, Noah drew his first technical for arguing his foul call as he guarded Andrea Bargnani on a drive. Then, Noah drew his second technical for the ball toss. He also could be seen shouting at officials as he left the court. Celtics guard Rajon Rondo drew a two-game suspension earlier this season for throwing a ball at an official. Rondo directed vocal abuse following that act as well. "Just disappointed in a technical foul and being thrown out when we're shorthanded"
Noah's triple-double helps lead Bulls past Bucks
February 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Like any self-respecting coach, Tom Thibodeau spent early Wednesday fretting about focus, hoping the All-Star break didn't start early for the Bulls. Instead, Joakim Noah's birthday party did. Turning 27 on Saturday, Noah celebrated with his first career triple-double and the Bulls entered the break on cruise control, blowing out the Bucks 110-91 at the United Center. A team function for Noah followed. "And I'm not telling you where it is," Noah said, jokingly."
Bulls' Noah rebounds in big way
February 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"Officially, Joakim Noah grabbed 16 rebounds in the Chicago Bulls' bounceback victory on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. Yet Noah's biggest rebound didn't appear in the box score. It came merely from his energy and his mindset. "Losing to the Nets is never a good feeling," Noah said about Saturday's loss. "I wasn't happy with the way I played." Indeed, Noah failed to score in that Saturday shocker and got outplayed by the Nets' Kris Humphries. Coach Tom Thibodeau even sat Noah for the final 17 minutes, 18 seconds on Saturday. That's why Noah's energy and rebounding proved so critical on Monday against the Hawks."
$60 million deal hurt my game — Noah
February 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah is an emotional player, often dubbed the heart and soul of the Bulls. He ruminates over losses and criticism with as much intensity as he displays on the court when his motor is running, his ponytail is bobbing and his rebounds are rising. The slow start Noah endured to this season bothered him deeply. Uncharacteristically clumsy and spiritless, the affable Noah wasn't, to steal one of his favorite phrases, affecting winning. In an interview with the Tribune, Noah for the first time revealed the five-year, $60 million extension he signed in October 2010 and which began this season contributed to his struggles."
Rose isn't Bulls' only injury woe
January 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"While the concern inside the Bulls' locker room Saturday related to Derrick Rose's injured left big toe, the frontcourt took a significant hit as well. Both center Joakim Noah and forward Taj Gibson sat out Saturday night's 95-89 victory over the Bobcats with ankle injuries suffered Friday night in Cleveland. Gibson said his was a high ankle sprain as a result of stepping on Antawn Jamison's foot. "It's sore,'' Gibson said. "It's real sore. Just have to take a slow. (I'm) lucky nothing was broken, nothing torn. That's the bright side.'' Noah appeared ready to go and coach Tom Thibodeau said he was fine. Then he was a late scratch with Omer Asik starting."
Joakim Noah's shooting has been off, but Bulls aren't worried
January 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Bulls center Joakim Noah stuck around, shooting jump shot after jump shot after all but one of his teammates had left the floor at the Berto Center after practice Thursday. Again and again, Noah fired up what might be the quirkiest shot in the league and the most original shot of any Bull since Bill Cartwright retired. It's as much a two-handed set shot as it is a jumper. He doesn't shoot it so much as heave it at the rim. Instead of rotating on a high-arcing trajectory, the ball spins sideways like a globe on its axis. "That's just how I started shooting," Noah said. "I'm stubborn. I don't shoot that many jump shots anyway. I'm proud of my 'J.' My mom calls it unique.""
Charles Barkley blasts Joakim Noah; Tom Thibodeau defends center
January 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Center Joakim Noah took a hit from one of his biggest fans. But he still has the one who counts. Charles Barkley, the TNT analyst who has been one of Noah's biggest supporters, hit Noah where it hurts the most after Noah scored two points and had five rebounds in the Bulls' loss Monday against the Grizzlies. ''His energy level is not the same," Barkley said. "I have loved how hard he has worked, but he has not played up to his capabilities this year. Even though Chicago has a great record, he has not played like he has played the last couple of years.''"
Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer join the late show
January 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"After sitting out the fourth quarters of the last two games, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah made key contributions late to help the Bulls hold off the Boston Celtics on Friday. Noah had four points, three rebounds and two blocked shots in the fourth quarter to finish with 10 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Boozer contributed two rebounds in the fourth and finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. ''I love the way Jo was active tonight blocking shots and going after the ball,'' coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''Then his offense came around. When he plays like that, it's good for us.'' Before the game, Thibodeau said he's not considering changing his starting lineup despite Taj Gibson"
Bulls expect Noah, Boozer to come around
January 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"The inconsistent play — and playing time — of Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer has underscored one of Tom Thibodeau's biggest consistencies. Unlike former Bulls coach Scott Skiles, who once famously answered "Jump" when asked how Eddy Curry could rebound better, Thibodeau refuses to bury players publicly. It's why Thibodeau keeps supporting Noah and Boozer with his public comments, even while sitting them for the entire fourth quarter in consecutive games."
Noah and Boozer conspicuous by absence — again
January 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"For the second straight night, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah sat for the entire fourth quarter. "It's nothing personal," Noah said. "I understand Omer (Asik) and Taj (Gibson) are playing great. I have to find a way to affect winning. … It's tough, but we're winning. I have to play bigger, play better defense, rebound better." Boozer and Noah combined for eight points and 10 rebounds in just fewer than 45 minutes. "That's just Thibs' decision," Boozer said of coach Tom Thibodeau. "You just ride with it and keep going. As long as we keep winning, everybody is happy.""
Bulls' Noah struggling with foul trouble, finding rhythm
January 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Rest assured that as Joakim Noah continues to search outward for rebounds, the fifth-year center also is looking inward. Long one of the team's most self-critical players, Noah knows his foul-plagued start to the season has lacked. "I need to play better," Noah said simply. Noah entered Monday averaging 7.7 points and 7.4 rebounds with just one double-double, achieved last week against the Pistons. He finished with four points and eight rebounds against Detroit on Monday night. After nine games last season, Noah had posted six double-doubles."
Rose, four other Bulls on NBA All-Star ballot
January 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Derrick Rose heads a list of five Chicago Bulls selected to be on the ballot for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Joining Rose on the 120-player ballot, which was unveiled Tuesday at a special event in Orlando, Fla. -- site of the Feb. 26 game -- are Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Richard Hamilton."
Sunshine State brightened Noah's outlook
December 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah went home after that awful spring night at the United Center. He had watched the Heat outscore the Bulls 18-3 in the final three-plus minutes of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. "Watched" being the operative word. Noah didn't play a second of the fourth quarter. Feeling empty, angry and "almost depressed," according to his college coach, Florida's Billy Donovan, Noah took off for New York, hoping his native Manhattan could provide a little anonymity. No chance."
Bulls' Noah feels 'healthy, great'
December 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"He's healthy, unlike at the end of last season. He's set to begin his five-year, $60 million extension signed last October, as opposed to playing on his rookie contract. But one thing hasn't changed about Joakim Noah — his defiance whenever the Miami Heat come up. Asked if, as currently constructed, the Bulls have enough to surpass the reigning Eastern Conference champions, Noah hid the playful smile that often dances across his face. "Yeah," he spat. "Of course.""
Noah, France fall to Spain in Eurobasket final
September 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah and the French national team's storybook run to the EuroBasket championship didn't end in storybook fashion Sunday, with the Bulls' center fouling out late in Spain's gold-medal-winning 98-85 victory. However, Noah, who finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, applauded fans as he walked to the bench with 3 minutes, 11 seconds left, a nod to the passionate fans who attended the games in Lithuania along with France's strong run. France earned an automatic berth in the 2012 London Olympics by virtue of advancing to the championship game."
Noah helps France top Asik, Turkey
September 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Sparring partners in Chicago Bulls practice, Joakim Noah and Omer Asik squared off with high stakes again on Wednesday. Noah's French team downed Asik's Turkish team 68-64 in second-round play at EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania. Qualifying spots for the 2012 London Olympics are up for grabs in the tournament, which France has overachieved in thus far."
Rodman: Rose can't win by himself
August 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"When Dennis Rodman returned to the United Center on May 18 to present the honorary game ball before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, he lauded Tom Thibodeau, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose and predicted a Bulls series victory over the Heat. Thursday at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Rodman changed his tune, saving his strongest criticism for Carlos Boozer. "Derrick can't win by himself," Rodman said. "That series was a bad situation with Tom Thibodeau. He should've done something about Rose and the other guys. Boozer should've stepped up big time. Noah should've stepped up a lot. "Derrick Rose is like Michael Jordan when he first came in the league. He's shooting the ball 25"
Report: Noah will return to France, play in EuroBasket
July 25
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"Last week we told you how the doctors for the French national team took a look at Joakim Noah's ankle and said, "why don't you go home and get some treatment on that." He is, but he'll be back. The French are training for EuroBasket – the international tournament where Olympic bids for 2012 will be decided — and he will play in that, tweets Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy."
France's diligence with Noah's injury eases NBA teams' concerns, but will other countries be as cautious?
July 25
SportingNews.com
 columnist Sean Deveney
"There was some comforting news from France this week, at least as far as the NBA is concerned. First, the FFBB, France's national basketball governing body, announced that it has obtained insurance for all players involved with its national team. Second, the FFBB announced that it was sending Bulls center Joakim Noah, a French citizen, to Chicago because of concerns over the ankle that he injured in early April. That could help quell two main concerns -- one on the player side, the other on the team side -- when it comes to the 24-team EuroBasket tournament that starts in late August in Lithuania. The tournament is a qualifier for the Olympics, with the top two teams getting automatic bids"
French officials send Bulls' Noah home for ankle rehab
July 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah has returned to the United States after French basketball officials requested the Bulls' big man further rehabilitate the right ankle he sprained late in the season, sidelining him for three games. Noah received this news as he underwent a routine medical exam last week in Paris while he prepared to join the French national team in training for the European championships. FIBA.com first reported the news, which the Tribune confirmed. The French Basketball Federation released a statement saying, "In an act of transparency, the FFBB sent the medical reports to his club and his agent." Bulls officials can't comment on any matters involving players because of the NBA lockout."
France gets insurance so Tony Parker, others to play in EuroBasket
July 20
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"France is going to have one very good team at FIBA's EuroBasket, where the 2012 London Olympic qualifying takes place. And it's all due to their ability to purchase insurance. Due to the NBA lockout guys with NBA contracts no longer have insurance when they play international competitions. If countries don't get the insurance, key guys don't play. In the case of Spain (with about six guys) the cost was rumored to be more than $6 million due to having to insure existing NBA deals (and the Gasol brother are not cheap). The French insurance was not inexpensive but was a little less than that. The French have a number of players in the NBA — Tony Parker, the point guard of the Spurs, plus"
Noah to play for France in European Championships
July 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah is following through on plans he discussed as a possibility at various points last season and will play for the French national team this summer. Noah wanted to play for the country where he lived as a youth last summer but instead rested his plantar fasciitis. When that healed, he drilled individually with coach Tom Thibodeau."
Tim Hardaway trying to move on
May 26
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago native and former Miami Heat star Tim Hardaway has plenty of reasons to be intrigued by the Eastern Conference finals, including one negative storyline that resurrected a low point for Hardaway. When Bulls center Joakim Noah was fined $50,000 for shouting an anti-gay slur at a Heat fan during Game 3, it evoked the the memories of similar incidents, including a radio interview Hardaway granted that stained the image of the former All-Star point guard. In 2007, after former NBA player John Amaechi admitted he was gay, Hardaway went on a Miami radio station and said: "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I"
On the court and off, Joakim Noah not your typical NBA player
May 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"A couple of afternoons before he shouted an anti-gay slur at a fan in Miami and was handed a $50,000 fine, Joakim Noah was at the Bulls practice facility in Deerfield, taking a few private questions after a workout. He sat in the hallway outside the court. When had Chicago turned the corner on him, he was asked, from ambivalent to embracing? He said nothing. He dropped his head and stretched out his long right arm, pointing to a picture hanging across from him. It shows him sprinting, driving downcourt, his hair flying. It's Game 6 of the 2009 playoffs; to his right, just behind him, is Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, struggling to keep up with Noah, who had stolen the ball. Moments"
Heat fans let Bulls, Noah know they're in a tough spot
May 25
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"They may never shut up now, the most loutish of Heat fans, not after the Bulls left town 101-93 losers in overtime in the most pivotal game of their season. There's no way the raucous crowd that came to AmericanAirlines Arena running its mouth early and often will stop with the Heat one more dominant LeBron James performance away from sending the Bulls home for good. Talk about making a statement the country will be talking about the next day. That's what James did by scoring 35 points and superbly defending Derrick Rose with the game on the line at the end of regulation. Sure, Rose could find a way to will the Bulls to a victory in Game 5 Thursday at the United Center. But you have to be"
Heat president: Anti-gay slur also reason for fan ejection
May 25
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"In the wake of Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah being fined $50,000 by the NBA for shouting an anti-gay slur to a fan during Sunday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami Heat President of Business Operation Eric Woolworth said Tuesday similar action by a fan would result in an ejection. The league, meanwhile, said it is a matter that would be handled on an incident-by-incident basis, with teams taking the lead in such actions. "In general," Woolworth said before Tuesday's Game 4, "they'll get one warning and then they'll get thrown out." But Woolworth said the anti-gay slur Noah utilized or a racially hurtful barb from a fan would receive less"
Joakim Noah incident raises questions about how much abuse players must take
May 24
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 columnist Mike Berardino
"What Joakim Noah said was wrong. He deserved to be fined $50,000 for directing a gay slur at a Heat fan who was heckling him from behind the Chicago Bulls' bench. Let's make that clear right from the top. Even Noah admitted as much in accepting blame again Monday afternoon. "I said the wrong thing," Noah said, "and I'm going to deal with the consequences like a man." But there's a larger issue here in the wake of this lingering controversy, one that goes well beyond Noah's ability to control his emotions Tuesday in Game 4 or the Heat's ability to capitalize on the distraction. This whole episode has me wondering again how much abuse professional athletes must take just because they're the"
Ozzie Guillen knows what Joakim Noah's going through
May 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has been there. He can empathize with Bulls center Joakim Noah for losing control of his tongue in the heat of the moment. ''You have to be careful of what you say, when you say it and how you say it,'' Guillen said before the Sox played the Texas Rangers on Monday ''I say that from experience.'' Guillen also knows this: It was a bad choice of words. ''That's not a good word in this country,'' he said, referring to the homosexual slur Noah directed at a fan attending the Bulls-Heat game Sunday in Miami. ''Even though everybody says it, it's not a good word.'' During the 2006 season, Guillen was fined and ordered to undergo sensitivity training for using a"
Why did Joakim Noah use that gay slur?
May 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Rick Morrissey
"Joakim Noah looked as if he would have rather been anywhere else Monday. In solitary confinement. Stuck in an elevator with 10 Amway salesmen. In front of a team of IRS auditors. Anywhere but in a hotel meeting room with a horde of reporters. Over and over, he tried to explain how he, as tolerant and as progressive as they come in the NBA, could have screamed a gay slur at a fan during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals the night before. It seemed so out of character for a man who takes deep pride in his diverse background and in his worldview. But it indeed was Noah who was caught by TNT cameras lashing out at a fan behind the Bulls' bench in the first quarter Sunday. You didn't have"
Noah has no excuse for reacting off-color
May 24
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"A contrite Joakim Noah showed up for his national apology Monday afternoon at the Bulls team hotel wearing red-striped pajama bottoms with a white T-shirt. And it worked for him. The odd getup was more functional but less flamboyant than the seersucker suit and bow tie Noah made famous at the 2007 NBA draft. On a day Noah repeated he was sorry for directing an anti-gay slur toward a fan during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday, it was worth remembering how unapologetic Noah always has been about free expression. This is a biracial player with long hair worn in a ponytail or bun and a face in need of a razor. He grew up the son of an artist and international tennis star,"
Bulls rally to Joakim Noah's defense
May 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Heat has grabbed the Bulls by the horns. Down 2-1 in the Eastern Conference finals after being outplayed in the last two fourth quarters, the Bulls are running out of real estate. In Game 4 tonight, they will play, one way or another, a defining game. Win, and it's game on. Lose, and they're at a point of no return. And they will play amid a multi­layered backdrop. To even the ­series, the Bulls will have to overcome mounting distractions and ­increasing doubts. Awaiting what he expected to be a hefty fine, Joakim Noah again apologized Monday for directing a gay slur at a taunting fan in Game 3 on Sunday. ''Sometimes fans say things that are a little overboard,'' Noah said. ''But it's"
NBA fines Noah $50,000 for anti-gay remark
May 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The NBA fined Joakim Noah $50,000 on Monday for "using a derogatory and offensive term" toward a fan from the bench Sunday during the first quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Noah apologized directly after the incident and again following the Bulls' film session at their hotel Monday. "I just want to apologize," Noah said. "I had just picked up my second foul. I was frustrated. He said something that was disrespectful toward me, and I lost my cool. People who know me know I'm an open-minded guy. I'm not here to hurt anybody's feelings. I'm just here to help win a basketball game. "Sometimes fans say things that are overboard. But it's on us not to react. If you react, they"
Bulls' Noah awaits NBA fine for slur
May 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"A contrite Joakim Noah apologized Monday for directing a gay slur toward a fan during the first quarter of Sunday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals as teammates rallied to his defense and the league office prepared to fine the Bulls center. "I just want to apologize," Noah said after a team film session at their local hotel. "I had just picked up my second foul. I was frustrated. He said something that was disrespectful toward me and I lost my cool. "People who know me know I'm an open-minded guy. I'm not here to hurt anybody's feelings. I'm just here to help win a basketball game." Noah spoke with league officials early Monday morning. A fine will be forthcoming sometime Monday"
Bosh bash puts Noah in foul mood
May 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Joe Cowley
"Forget the "Two-and-a-half Men'' jokes going on hiatus. They have been flat-out canceled. Chris Bosh made sure of that. With every head fake, with every 17-foot jumper, with every two-handed slam, the perceived punchline of the Big Three punched back in a 96-85 victory in Game 3 on Sunday, leaving the Bulls still seeking answers on stopping the 6-11 forward. Again. Unlike in Game 1, when Bosh scored 30 while Dwyane Wade and LeBron James took a back seat in the one-sided loss, Bosh's latest masterpiece came in the clutch. He took the Bulls out of their game in the first quarter — yes, that means you, Joakim Noah. Then sent them to the team bus in the fourth quarter, scoring eight"
Noah could face league discipline after using anti-gay slur toward fan
May 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Joakim Noah could face league discipline after directing a profanity followed by an anti-gay slur toward a fan Sunday during the first quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Noah, an extremely emotional player, drew his second foul at the 6-minute, 26-second mark, sending the Bulls starter to the bench. There, TNT cameras caught Noah turning to the crowd and using the same slur that the Lakers' Kobe Bryant directed at official Bennie Adams during the regular season. "I got caught up," Noah said. "A fan said something. And I said something back. I apologize." The NBA fined Bryant $100,000 for that incident and issued a strongly worded rebuke from Commissioner David Stern. If"
Noah wants Bulls' post players to pick it up
May 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"After Bulls center Joakim Noah switched to guard the Heat's Dwyane Wade off the pick-and-roll in Game 1, dancing with Wade through eight dribbles before blocking Wade's shot, NBA analysts raved about the 6-foot-11 Noah's ability to defend anyone. Noah appreciated the praise but believed it belonged to someone else. "I would say that Taj is probably the most versatile in terms of his ability to guard the post and guard the perimeter," Noah said, referring to teammate Taj Gibson. He has a point. The 6-9 Gibson displayed the same type of defensive footwork in that game when he guarded LeBron James and blocked James' shot. Noah was impressed, as he has been with Gibson throughout the season."
Ex-Florida Gator Joakim Noah indispensable for the Chicago Bulls
May 17
Miami Herald
 
"A hallway in the Bulls' practice facility comes to a dead end at a collection of photographs. In the middle is a large, framed photograph of the team in a pregame huddle. In the center of the huddle is one player. It's not MVP Derrick Rose. It's not Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau. It's not Bulls legend Michael Jordan. The first person you see is Joakim Noah doing what he does best: clapping, encouraging, looking half-crazy, battle-crying, fueling his team and his arena with enough energy to turn a cold Chicago night red hot. "He's awesome," said Noah's frontcourt mate, Carlos Boozer. "His energy has been great. He's so emotional it's phenomenal. Floridians are familiar with Noah and his"
Noah's energy contagious as Bulls romp
May 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"As he tried to unwind from his typically hyper and energetic night, Joakim Noah kept talking about the national anthem. "Did you heard the crowd during that?" Noah asked, smiling. "That was crazy." No more crazy than Noah's hustle and offensive rebounding, which, along with strong contributions from Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson, allowed the Bulls to absolutely dominate the Heat on the boards in Sunday's 103-82 victory. The Bulls racked up a 45-33 rebounding edge, including 19 on the offensive end. Eight of those came from Noah, four from Boozer and three from Gibson. No wonder the Bulls enjoyed a 31-8 advantage in second-chance points. "Joakim brings energy every night," teammate Ronnie"