Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile: Joakim Noah

Player Summary

Joakim Noah was a pleasant surprise for the Chicago Bulls last season. His game was what everyone expected. He hustled and played hard all of the time. He rebounded and scored on put backs and running the floor. What was unexpected was how effectively his game would translate to the NBA level. When the Chicago Bulls picked Derrick Rose first in the June NBA Draft, Noah was probably as happy as any Bulls fan. He'll certainly be the recipient of many of Rose's passes in penetration and on the fast break. These two Bulls should be fun to watch grow up together over the next few years.

Joakim Noah won the starting center job for the Chicago Bulls last year. He'll hold onto the position this year and will see his minutes increase.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 20.7
Points: 6.6
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 0.9
Steals: 0.9
Blocks: 0.9

Player Strengths

Noah's strength is his hustle and basketball IQ. He plays the game hard and he plays the game right. This is exactly what the Chicago Bulls need. The Bulls have a lot of young talent, but they need "glue" guys who will do the little things. Noah's not afraid to speak his mind and you can see glimpses of the leadership he'll be able to provide as he adjusts to the NBA.

Joakim Noah is a very good, but not great rebounder. He'll provide some blocked shots and defense for the Bulls. Finally, while he shoots only 48% from the field, which is a little low for a big man, Noah has the second highest shooting percentage on the team (behind Aaron Gray). I don't know if that is as much a strength of Noah's as it is a weakness of the Chicago Bulls.

Player Weaknesses

Joakim Noah does not have much of an offensive game. He'll get his points on the fast break and on put backs from offensive rebounds, but there isn't a whole lot more to his offensive game than that. As long as Noah recognizes this and plays within himself, he'll be OK. The Chicago Bulls don't expect a lot of points from Noah. They want him on the court for his hustle, rebounding and defense.

Player Projections

He may never make the All-Star team, but Joakim Noah provides a lot of the skills that are valuable to the Chicago Bulls. His hustle, defense and rebounding will be necessary to help turn around the franchise. The addition of Rose should provide Joakim Noah with a few more open looks at the basket this year. Overall, Noah's minutes and other statistics should increase a little this year.

Projected Statistics for the Chicago Bulls '08-'09 Basketball Season

Minutes: 25.0
Points: 7.5
Rebounds: 7.5
Assists: 1.2
Steals: 1.0
Blocks: 1.2

Sources:
ESPN