Bulls' emotional leader Noah trying to stay positive
One of the first concerns for the new Bulls' coaching staff was how to handle a delicate lineup scenario.
After studying video from last season and meeting with players during the summer, head coach Fred Hoiberg felt the best option was to start second-year forward Nikola Mirotic with Pau Gasol, his Spanish national teammate. That would mean sending Joakim Noah to a bench role.
The coaches knew Noah was a team player who wouldn't complain, but it was a dangerous maneuver considering Noah has been the team's emotional leader for years and he is just two seasons removed from a first-team All-NBA selection.
So the sighs of relief were practically audible when Noah returned to his old form in Monday's 92-89 win over San Antonio at the United Center. Noah finished with 8 points, 7 assists and 11 rebounds, and was on the floor during a game-changing run early in the fourth quarter.
“He's our emotional leader,” Hoiberg said Monday at the Advocate Center. “He's bringing great energy night in and night out. Doesn't matter what the circumstances are, whether he's on the bench cheering for his teammates or on the floor making big plays. But it was fun to see Jo go off like he did.”
One strong performance doesn't answer all the questions. Can the Bulls continue to get more from Noah? He started the night averaging just 2.7 points and shooting 32.6 percent from the field. Noah scored a couple of important fourth-quarter baskets against the Spurs on crossover drives to the basket, a move rarely seen from 6-foot-11 centers.
Noah said there were a lot of reasons why he played so well.
“I felt comfortable on the court,” Noah said after Tuesday's practice. “I think our guard play was really good with (Tony) Snell and Dougy (McDermott) out there, setting screens and moving without the ball. It opened up a lot for me personally.”
Not only does Noah refuse to complain about his role, he won't make excuses, either. Asked if shifting to a bench role has been more difficult than expected, he answered, “It's an adjustment, but if it helps our team, I'm for it.”
There's no question Noah longs to stay on the floor for longer minutes. He did his damage against San Antonio in just 23 minutes of action.
Asked if the reduced minutes could be a blessing because it means less wear and tear on his knees, Noah was direct.
“I'm good. I feel great,” he said. “I feel like I'm moving well and I feel healthy.”
Figuring out how to use a deep roster of players has been one of Hoiberg's greatest challenges this season. On Monday, the Bulls used nine players, which was less than usual because both Kirk Hinrich (hip pointer) and Aaron Brooks (hamstring) were unavailable.
It's possible the shorter rotation worked wonders, because all nine Bulls who got in the game played well, including Snell and McDermott both scoring in double figures. Pau Gasol led the team with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
“It's going to be different on different nights depending on who has it going,” Hoiberg said. “We'll try to do the best job we can to get the right combination on the floor, especially at the end of the games.”
In the locker room after Monday's game, Noah admitted it has been difficult to maintain his usual positive attitude through his struggles this season.
“It's been very frustrating at times, but I'm blessed,” Noah said. “This is an unbelievable opportunity being able to play for the Chicago Bulls. So yeah, of course — I'm a passionate player. I get frustrated. But at the end of the day, I know that it's a blessing to play for this franchise.
“It's not good to be frustrated. Especially as one of the leaders of the team. There's no question about that. I have to work on my frustration to be a better example on my teammates, no question about it.”
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