Bowling tournament runner-up Joakim Noah to return for Bulls on Thursday
It's been a good couple of days for Joakim Noah.
Not only did he make it to the finals of the Chicago Bulls' holiday bowling tournament (respect, Cameron Bairstow), he's set to return from a four-game absence Thursday against the New York Knicks.
Noah has been sidelined by knee and ankle issues the team has been able to be cautious with due to their frontcourt depth. He went through shootaround without issue Thursday, calling himself a go for the nationally televised showdown.
Showdown may be generous way to describe it, considering Noah may be just about the only one playing. The Knicks are banged up, Carmelo Anthony may rest his knee and the Bulls could be without Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson. But hey, Noah's playing, and that's great news.
In 17 games, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 8.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocks, shooting 48.4 percent from the floor. The team's defensive quarterback hasn't quite been himself, but the team's been able to limit his minutes and give him a four-game rest thanks to their depth.
That long view is meant to ensure Noah is just fine come April and May, when the 15-9 Bulls appear set to make noise.