Chicago Bulls starting centre Joakim Noah returns to practice – NBA update
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bull’s centre, returned to practice with his team on Monday, reporting no problems with his ailing ankle.
Noah said that he is much better and hoping to get on the floor in Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. He said, "It feels a lot better. Just going to get treatment. I was able to practice today and I am excited for (Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns).”
Noah hurt his foot in Chicago’s 105-99 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at United Centre. He has been sidelined for a week and has not played or practiced since. Prior to his injury, he added 10 points, game-high 13 rebounds, and three blocks
in the defeat.
Noah missed his previous three games since his injury. However, the Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau, is quiet confident about his return in the next game. Thibodeau said, “He moved well today, so hopefully he’ll be ready to go. The injury he had [with the] ankle,
that happens. He did a good job with his rehab and hopefully he’ll be ready to go.”
Noah has played in 42 games this season and is averaging 12.1 points and 11 rebounds per game. He has also recorded 19 double-doubles. He has been impressive on the glass and is very capable of controlling the opposite team early in the game.
There is no doubt that Noah’s absence is a great loss for the team on paper but his absence has actually proven beneficial for the Bulls as they are 3-0 in his absence and Carlos Boozers has played more and prospered in his new role.
Bulls forward Boozer scored a game-high 24 points and 14 rebounds in the Bulls 108-91 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Target Centre. He added 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a 101-96 victory against the Detroit Pistons
on Friday night at The Palace. In addition to that, he racked up 18 points and a team-high 10 rebounds in Chicago’s 113-106 win against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night at United Centre.
Although, the Bulls did not seem bothered at all by Noah’s absence, they will receive him with open arms. A healthy rooster before the play-off battle will definitely play a vital role in fulfilling the Bull’s hopes of reaching the NBA Finals this year.
They have big plans for their young team and fans are expecting the glory years of Jordan to once again return to the windy city.
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