Bulls' Noah continues his anti-violence initiative

Joakim Noah is usually very good about speaking to reporters and was especially eager to greet the media Wednesday at the Advocate Center.

In fact, just as the interview was about to begin, he turned and ran across the gym to grab a necklace he's promoting as part of his anti-violence initiative.

"Me and my mother, we started this movement. It's called 'Rock Your Drop,' a drop of consciousness," Noah said. "It's a necklace that represents a teardrop, and it's something we've been working really hard on. It's to bring awareness to all the violence that's going on and also that we're all in this together, that you're not alone.

"We just hope it can spread. The more money we raise with these props, the more programs we can put in for these kids."

The theme of the necklace mirrors an eight-minute video by filmmaker Alex Kotlowitz, which was released Tuesday, titled "You're Not Alone." It includes Bulls players Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson talking about losing loved ones to gun violence.

"I think one way we can all help is by putting in more programs, getting these kids more jobs, getting these kids more activities, more things to do," Noah said. "Some of these kids don't have the opportunities we have in the suburbs.

"I just think it's important to help, no matter what shape of life, no matter where you come from. I think it's important that we can all get involved."

<h3 class="leadin">Noah feels at home:</h3>

Joakim Noah grew up in nice neighborhoods of Paris and New York City. On Wednesday, he talked about the connection he has made with this current home.

"Chicago has been such a blessing," he said. "I've been here for eight years now. This is like home to me. I think with as much love as there is in this city for their sports and stuff like that, how the city embraced me,

"I think it's important also to see what the problems are and to find solutions."

<h3 class="leadin">Sager in, Allen out:</h3>

Thursday's game at the United Center is scheduled to mark the sideline return of TNT's Craig Sager, who has been absent for nearly a year while receiving cancer treatment. Sager grew up in Batavia and attended Northwestern.

Meanwhile, Bulls target Ray Allen announced Wednesday he will not play in the NBA this season, but he left the door open for returning next year. Allen, who last played for Miami in the 2014 NBA Finals, will turn 40 in July.