I've always been a fan of the evolution of Joakim Noah in the NBA. Originally, we had him pegged as an energy guy. Someone, who at his best might be a Dennis Rodman-type. A relentless rebounder and defender, with floor burns to match his level of intensity. Any offensive contributions would come from put backs, and would be a bonus especially after seeing his "tornado" style side spinning jump shot. In fact, some were happy to think that he would be an Anderson Varejao-type.
Instead, as games like this triple double remind us, he's on a different path than either of those players. Defensively, you get a player that can comfortably match up against any 4 (power forward) or 5 (center) in the league. Even if switched off to momentarily defend the more athletic 3's (small forward) and 4's, Noah has enough speed and liability to neutralize what is normally an advantage for most teams. When healthy*, it isn't surprising to find him in the Top 5 for rebounds.
On the offensive end, his biggest strength is being able to pass from the high post or on the dribble. Many of his assists are to cutting players, versus being kick out passes. Although his midrange jumper isn't quite something that will make opponents wince when left wide open, it is no longer something that makes Bulls fan wince either. His development of a post game also gives a reason to keep defenses honest.
The other big news was the signing of Scalabrine 2.0, Jimmer Fredette. Brian Scalabrine had become a fan favorite during his time with the Bulls, and came to (unfairly) represent a human victory cigar for those Bulls teams. People would love to chant for him late in games when the win was secured, and sometimes even chanting for him late in the 2nd quarter in a bit of arrogance. Since he retired, no one was able to take up the mantle. Fans missed him so much, that they chanted for him during the end of Wednesday's Golden State game.
Move on, people!
That being said, I was interested to hear that Sacramento was going to buy him out and did. I was even more interested when I hear that the Bulls and Jimmer expressed mutual interest. The rest now, of course is history. In the grand scheme of things, any moments we get from Jimmer are going to be a bonus this late in the season. Doesn't hurt to have a young shooter like Jimmer, versus say when the Bulls signed Daequan Cook. Anyway, it will fun to have someone to chant for, if it means that we'll have a lot of big leads going into end of the game.
* In 7 NBA seasons, Noah has only played more than 70 games twice (74 games and 80 games in his first two years in the league, before he became a full-time starter.)
#3dc
-- wake.eat.sleep