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Noah calls out Bulls owner Reinsdorf for 'low blow'

Dennis Wierzbicki / USA TODAY Sports

Joakim Noah didn't appreciate being kicked on his way out of Chicago.

Noah, now with the New York Knicks after inking a rich $72-million contract, was written off by Bulls team owner Jerry Reinsdorf as no longer "a front-line guy" in his explanation for why the team chose to move on.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Noah characterized Reinsdorf's words as a "low blow," before taking the high road with respect to the Bulls organization.

"He’s entitled to his opinion," Noah said. "I feel I have no regrets about my time in Chicago. I gave it everything I had. To me that’s all that matters. I did everything I could for that organization. I thought it was a little bit of a low blow, but at the end of the day I have nothing but respect for that organization. I’m just excited for this new chapter of my career."

Noah anchored Chicago's defense for nine seasons, receiving numerous accolades for his performance, and became the emotional leader for a resurgent Bulls squad that was cut down by injuries. While wearing a Bulls uniform, Noah won a Defensive Player of the Year award, two All-Star nominations, and an All-NBA First Team nod.

Reinsdorf, however crass in his assessment, was speaking to Noah's disappointing last two years. Hampered by knee and shoulder injuries, Noah averaged 6.3 points on 43 percent shooting, with close to 68 games missed.

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