Chicago loves Joakim Noah. Joakim loves Chicago. A Windy City reunion almost makes too much sense. However, times have changed. The only face Noah would recognize on this Bulls roster would be Cris Felicio, who spent the majority of their one year together playing in the G-League.
That shouldn’t be enough to dissuade the front office from pursuing the former Defensive Player of the Year. In nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Noah made seven trips to the playoffs, including a trip to the conference finals with the best record in the league.
After joining the Memphis Grizzlies and ending his brief NBA hiatus, Noah has been an excellent addition off the bench. Since February, he is averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Even at 34, he is capable of putting on performances like this 22 point, 11 rebound outing against the Clippers.
When asked about his time with the Bulls, he had this to say “I know we’ve all gone through a lot. We all have our different journeys, but those guys are my brothers for life. I think there’s even championship teams that don’t even have that kind of bond. So it was a special bond. I’m just happy to see my old teammates doing well… The years here in Chicago were just so special.”
Bringing back Joakim could help re-establish those bonds for a team that has had multiple instances of locker room strife the past few seasons. He would hold the young Bulls accountable and possibly even bring back the edge the team once had. With coach Jim Boylen calling the shots now, it would be hard to find a player better suited for embracing his “road-dog mentality”.
Boylen on 96-90 game: "That’s my mentality, road-dog mentality. We’ll run when we can. But we’re going to set up, make people guard us through the clock. That’s a Coach Pop thing. And I believe in it." #riphoiball
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 5, 2018
If Noah can sustain this level of play through the remainder of the season, the Bulls should absolutely make an effort to recruit him. Joakim would be the perfect mentor for rookie bruiser Carter and would drive up fan interest for those excited to see their two-time former all-star come home.
With one of the best young cores in the league and an open checkbook, make sure to stay tuned this July as the Chicago Bulls try to put the finishing touches on their up-and-coming roster.