Some big news arrived for a prominent former member of the Chicago Bulls this week. Two-time All-Star, three-time All-Defensive Team selection, and the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah is set to assume a new role with the Bulls’ franchise as he recently retired from his playing days in the NBA.
An official team release detailed that Noah will be joining the Bulls’ organization once again, this time as a team ambassador. Noah was reportedly named a team ambassador with the Bulls on Oct. 28, and this move will be celebrated in Chicago at the United Center as they take on former head coach Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks on this night.
Noah will have some of his former Bulls teammates in attendance as Chicago takes on the Knicks at home on the night of Oct. 28. There will also reportedly be a “series of tributes” that will take place throughout the night at the UC in honor of Noah as the Bulls take on the Knicks.
This is also special due to the fact that Noah was one of the most important players to Thibs during his time as the Bulls head coach. It’s nice to see that the Bulls are having “Joakim Noah Night” when Thibs is in town with his current team, and longtime rival in the Knicks.
Joakim Noah becomes team ambassador for the Chicago Bulls
All of this coming together will make for a special night for Noah and the Bulls, no matter what happens on the floor against the Knicks.
Moreover, here’s more on what this official release from the Bulls had to say about Noah being named a team ambassador, mainly on a note from Joakim himself.
"“I’m truly humbled to be honored by both the team and city that I have always loved and respected,” said Noah. “Even more so to be able to celebrate tonight with family, friends, former players and coaches, and most of all – the Bulls fans who helped drive my energy throughout my years in a Bulls uniform at the United Center. It means so much to me that I’m now a Bull for life. I love you all and am thrilled tonight to solidify my continued connection with the Bulls and the city of Chicago, in this new chapter of my life.”"
Noah rounded out his playing days in the NBA with three teams once his run with the Bulls was over. He landed with the Knicks prior to the start of the 2016-17 campaign, where he would spend two seasons. And then he finished up his career in two seasons playing for the likes of the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers.
The last season that Noah played in the NBA was with the Clippers back during the 2019-20 campaign. He got to spend some time with them playing in the bubble in a playoff run. Noah did sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Bulls, though.