Joakim Noah has seen both ends of the proverbial spectrum over the course of his career in the NBA. He has dealt with injuries, which led to surgeries, a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs and a disappointing stint with the New York Knicks. While playing with the Bulls, however, the former No. 9 overall pick became a fan favorite.
Noah, now 33 years of age, was away from the NBA for quite a while. Despite that fact, the Memphis Grizzlies signed him in December for the remainder of this season, giving him another shot at playing the game he loves.
On Wednesday night, Noah joined his new Grizzlies teammates for a nostalgic matchup against Chicago inside the United Center. Following the game, Noah detailed the bond that he and his former Bulls teammates share to this day.
“We all have our different journeys,” Noah told the Chicago Sun-Times. “Those guys are my brothers for life. I think that there’s even championship teams that don’t even have that kind of bond. It was a special bond. I’m just happy to see my old teammates doing well. To me, that’s almost as important as winning a championship.”
Noah logged 20 minutes in Wednesday night's game, scoring eight points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field (4-of-6 from the free-throw line), three assists, three rebounds and two blocks. He received a standing ovation when he checked into the game during the first quarter. In the end, though, the Grizzlies were defeated, 122-110.
“My years in Chicago were just so special and I feel I learned so much,” Noah told ESPN. “In that 10-year span we were really going for it, we were going for a championship, and I thought there was a couple of years where we really had a chance.”
Noah helped the Bulls reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011, and he won Defensive Player of the Year during an incredible all-around season in 2013-14. His game has declined in a big way since that magical season, but he has found a niche in Memphis.
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