Joakim Noah vs. Cleveland (April 2010)
Perhaps this no longer applies, but it was funny when it happened.
In a television interview with TNT before Game 1 of a playoff series between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, Noah didn’t hold back when expressing his thoughts on the city of Cleveland.
"I don’t know about this place, man. I just stayed in my hotel room. Every time I look out my windows, it’s pretty depressing here man. It’s bad. It’s bad. No — no going out in Cleveland, man. It’s all factories. (CBS Chicago)"
Later in the press conference, Noah had this to say:
"When asked by a reporter whether the boos he endured during a 96-83 Game 1 loss on Saturday bothered him, he responded: “What? That Cleveland sucks?” (Nick Friedell, ESPN)"
He defended these comments in a post-game press conference after the Bulls dropped Game 2 in Cleveland to go down 2-0 in the series.
"You think Cleveland’s cool? I’ve never heard anybody say, ‘I’m going to Cleveland on vacation.’ What’s so good about Cleveland? (CBS Chicago)"
Part of Noah’s charm is his willingness to say what is on his mind. He keeps it real 100 percent of the time.
For fans of opposing teams, this quality makes him unbearable.
However, for Bulls fans, it was one of the reasons he became so loved in Chicago.
The above quotes helped to define Joakim Noah as the edgy, passionate player that he has been during his time in Chicago.
It also created tension between Noah and LeBron James that blossomed into one of the best one-on-one rivalries in the NBA.
Next: Empire State of Mind