Joakim Noah: The most complete center in the NBA and DPOY candidate

 

(Photo Credit sports24.com)

Coming into his career with the Bulls, Joakim Noah knew only one thing: Winning. At Florida he won two NCAA titles under Billy Donovan and was known for his emphatic, tenacious, passionate play on the court. He was a stud with the Gators. Then, starting with the hideous tuxedo choice on NBA Draft night in 2007, something changed. 

 

(Photo Credit joakimnoahonline)

His rookie season he produced only 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, barely 1 assist and not even a full block or steal (ESPN). There was more to be expected from a 1st round draft pick coming in to fill a huge need in the front court on a struggling team. The next year he managed to improve slightly with a 6.7PPG, 7.6RPG, and roughly the same assist, steal, and block numbers (ESPN). However, in May of 2008 he was charged with possession of marijuana (Inside Hoops). The start to his NBA career was not what Bulls fans had in mind... Not in the slightest. 

Fast forward to his 2012-2013 season, and I assure you, Bulls fans have a completely different feeling about the guy. He has shown a change in his play that would have been hard to believe in 2008. This year Mr. Noah has been exactly who the Bulls envisioned on Draft Night back in 2007. He is hustling for every rebound, emphatically contesting shots on every position, working for a dominant post position when guarding his man, stealing and blocking the ball at an all time high as of late...I mean, everything you want from a center, he is doing. I've even caught the man leading the fast break after ripping down a board! I believe a big reason for his success is due to the coaching of Tom Thibodeau. Joakim Noah is the definition of a Thibs type player if there ever was one. He has bought into Thibs' system and style of play, and boy has he ran off with it.

 (Photo Credit Terra Sports)

Noah's 2012-2013 has been filled with double doubles, a pair of triple doubles, a handful of technicals, and a lingering injury. It has been quite an eventful year for Joakim, especially with making his first career All Star Game. Thus far, he has put up 12.0 PPG (career high), 11.4 RPG (career high and also 4th in the NBA), 3.9 offensive RPG (3rd in NBA), 4.3 assists (career high and best among power forwards and centers), 2.3 BPG (career high and 6th in the NBA), and 1.3 SPG (All stats credited to ESPN).. He is also 7th in the NBA (tied with his teammate Carlos Boozer) in double doubles (ESPN). 

To think he has put up these kinds of numbers while battling a lingering plantar fasciitis injury-not to mention the constant distraction that is Carlos Boozer's yelling-is astounding. I am sure Bulls fans are salivating at the possibilities of a completely healthy Joakim Noah. Without the play of Noah this year, the Bulls would be no where near as scary on defense as they have been at times. Is he the best defensive player in the game this season? I don't know. There are a lot of deserving players in guys like Tyson Chandler, Lebron James, Larry Sanders, and even KG at his age. What I do know, is that Noah is up there and sure deserves to be in the conversation.