Noah. What More Can Be Said?

Since we're officially at the All-Star break, I know a midseason post is in order and I promise I'll get to that in the next couple of days, but right now, I want to talk a little bit about Joakim Noah in honor of his most recent accomplishment, that being his triple-double last night against Milwaukee.

With all the double-doubles Noah has achieved this season, it was only a matter of time before he got over the next hump. Some may not have believed it would happen, possibly myself included, but Noah proved those folks wrong last night. The final line of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists was certainly cause for celebration. It was the first triple-double of his career and the first by a Bulls center since Artis Gilmore in 1977. When you put it in that context, it's a pretty special thing. The Bulls are not exactly known for a history of dominant centers. Tom Boerwinkle, Gilmore and Bill Cartwright are probably the three players that come closest to big guys who turned heads while in a Bulls uniform. Luc Longley played a pivotal role in the second three-peat, but he didn't exactly strike fear in the hearts of opposing players and fans. Nate Thurmond and Robert Parish were past their primes by the time they suited up in Chicago. That said, Noah has a chance to be very revered in Bulls history.

It's true that although the Bulls will be well represented in the All-Star Game on Sunday, Noah will not be among them. It could happen in a few years however. Just my theory. He brings that hard-working attitude and emotion the team needs every single night. Whatever you think of him, he helps make that well-oiled machine known as the Chicago Bulls work. It's still hard to believe just how far he's come since he was drafted.

Remember when everyone thought Bozo the Clown designed his suit the night of the '07 draft? Few took him seriously then or throughout most of his first two years. The faith I held in him from the beginning could probably be described as blind as I was still drinking the Kool-Aid from his days at Florida. I really had no business believing in him, but it's a good thing I did. Once he pulled off the steal and dunk in Game 6 of the '09 playoff series against the Celtics, the rest of the city fell in love with him. Now, everyone has to take him seriously and if the Bulls are to win the championship in the next few years, they'll need him.

Hope he enjoys his time off in the next few days. May he bring fantastic energy and emotion in whatever he chooses to do.