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Will Bulls dump troublemaker Noah?

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06:37 AM ET 01.05 | The one Bull who can least afford to be making waves was at it again last week, splashing around, rocking the boat and doing everything but cannonballs in the murky waters of the red, white and black sea. Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas and Larry Hughes were fined after reacting poorly to coach Vinny Del Negro's reminder that Bulls players are not allowed to eat in the locker room before games. The fine, of course, had nothing to do with food and everything to do with who is running the show. Noah seems to have a problem with the concept. As a rookie last season, he got into a verbal altercation with an assistant coach. Earlier that season, he criticized his teammates for a lack of togetherness. Former coach Scott Skiles noted that had Noah actually played more than one NBA game at the time he spouted off, the criticism might have had some meaning. If GM John Paxson jettisons Noah, it will send a message to the rest of the team that good behavior is expected from everyone, even the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft, even a player in whom the Bulls have invested lots of time and money. Especially him. The scouting report on Noah is that he provides "energy." Some of us view it as bogus energy, sort of like the guy who pretends he's talking on the phone at work in order to look busy. When Noah does get his points, it's normally because a defender has forgotten about him.

Chicago Tribune

Joakim Noah, AP Joakim Noah, AP
January 5, 2009  07:05 AM ET

the bulls wont dump this guy and if they do he will be picked up almost immediately. if you're not lebron of someone of his stature, as a young guy you just need to be quiet and play ball. he's got to keep his yap shut and stay out of trouble

January 5, 2009  07:17 AM ET

Long and short of it, no: the Bulls are not going to "dump" Noah. The Bulls' G.M. has made a mess of things with his draft choices, from choosing Gordon to choosing Thomas (over LaMarcus Alderidge) to choosing Noah. The only way I see Noah getting jettisoned is if Paxson is, himself, jettisoned. Personally, I'd personally pay for his plane ticket out of the windy city if he'd go, but Reinsdork clealry has a man-crush on Paxson from his days as a player.

Thomas and Noah are kids and they're entitled jerk kids. I have no problem with entitled jerk kids who've got some game... how about drafting one of those Pax? I doubt you're going to break the statistical lottery and get another #1 in the next off-season. Rose was like the Divine parting the clouds to give you a view of what young talents LOOKS LIKE! GO get some in the off-season or quit your job with the Bulls' team. Noah is about as much to blame for the Bulls' losing as it is Gray's. The Bulls have no true center, so are using Gray (a true, albeit SLOW center) and an out-of-position PF (Noah) as a center. These two guys are not in the same league as guys like Howard, Marion, Shaq, Stoudamire, Ming, Duncan, Nene, or even Okafur in Charlotte. Compared to Noah/Gray, Brad Miller looks like freaking Wilt Chamberlain.

The Bulls have zilcho in the post and are not going to expel one of their two warm bodies (a #9-10 1st round pick warm body, at that) for anything short of criminal activity. Noah and Paxson need each other. Paxson needs Noah to NOT continue looking like a wasted draft pick, and Noah needs Paxson's support to get enough playing time to not LOOK like a wasted draft pick.

Unless the Bulls get a legitimate big man in the middle and a REAL scoring threat at SG (that is defensively useful, unlike Gordon), these truly uninteresting, knuckle-headed stories are about all the Chicago media are going to have to write about Mr. Paxson. Time to get to WORK!!!!!!

January 5, 2009  08:09 AM ET

Noah and Thomas made too much money too soon, they had millions before they had someone to disclipline them in the locker room and about the NBA. For that reason, they think they are above the world and already know everything, which is why they both suck. Look at Aldridge, he's about the same age? Same draft, same money.. except he helps his team to a winning record and has good numbers.

January 5, 2009  08:39 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Noah and Thomas made too much money too soon, they had millions before they had someone to disclipline them in the locker room and about the NBA. For that reason, they think they are above the world and already know everything, which is why they both suck. Look at Aldridge, he's about the same age? Same draft, same money.. except he helps his team to a winning record and has good numbers.

That's pretty much every athlete coming out of college these days, at least in the NFL and NBA, with some exceptions. My favourite is the guy who doesn't want to report to the team who drafts him.

January 5, 2009  08:57 AM ET

Noah got too many kisses on his @-$-$ at Florida and started believing his own hype.

January 5, 2009  09:02 AM ET

Noah had an attitude problem even when he was back in college. Since Florida has never instilled values and character in their players (in any sport), is anyone really surprised that his bad beahvior has become an issue now that he's making millions as a pro?

January 5, 2009  09:09 AM ET

Noah is a big time bust and should be traded as soon as possible, he will never be anything more then a side show. I dont know why the bulls management is suprised? they hire a rookie coach with absolutely no cred, I cant imagine Beasley running off at the yap with Riley. The bulls management is a joke and I am sick of it! as a life time bulls fan and chicagoan we deserve better! I guess Mike, Scottie and Horance spoiled us..................

January 5, 2009  09:23 AM ET

While I believe Big Ben did have to go... he was the only one to put this kid in his place. He needs someone else to step up and beat some sense into him.... literally or figuratively.

January 5, 2009  09:46 AM ET

I don't think Noah got spoiled by his Bulls contract. His dad's the french tennis legend Yannick Noah.

January 5, 2009  09:50 AM ET

Why can't a person say his thought without being called names?

Some guys here made some funny comments about Noah making too much money too soon.
Isn't that the case for all actual ball players?

He's just an arrogant, cocky young frenchman. And I, as a belgian dude, hate it a lot. For us belgians, frenchmen are to arrogance as air is to breathing.

Comment #11 has been removed
January 5, 2009  10:04 AM ET

Noah is still young, and not the "sharpest knife in the drawer." He needs a coach he respects, and someone to define his role. Actually the Bulls NEED an energy guy. Without a low post threat, and the inconsistent play of Thomas, Hughes, and Gooden, the Bulls have more important issues than someone eating in the locker room.

January 5, 2009  10:07 AM ET
QUOTE(#11):

The Bulls arent going to trade Noah. The kid has heart. He just needs to pick up some sort of an offensive game, and get a good kick in the arse every once and awhile. He just needs to mature a little.That's all.

You don't just pick up an offensive game in the NBA. If you're still struggling with it by the time you're in your 20's, it's not going to happen. Noah makes Tyson Chandler look like KG on the offensive end.

Having heart is respectable (I guess), but after a while, trying really hard should probably be a given, not something you get credit for.

January 5, 2009  10:08 AM ET

pretty much anybody on that team is tradable...dont even try and doubt that either...

I hated noah from the moment we drafted him and said he was a knicks fan hating the bulls when he grew up..then when one game into his career he commented on the teams lackidsical performance, he got shut up by skiles, rightfull so, because he is trying to be the leader early...when you know a PF is not ur lead..its either a center or a PG...and he is NO CENTER...

just the center of attention...TRADE!

Comment #15 has been removed
January 5, 2009  10:29 AM ET
QUOTE(#15):

Understand your point, and I have no contention with it.I didn't say the kid would go and average 20 points a game. There is a reason why I said the words "some sort". He could just work on that awkward shot of his and show some sort of improvement then what he is right now.

Kind of a poor man's Anderson Varejao.

January 5, 2009  10:36 AM ET

The bulls should pack him and trade him.
He is the type of person that will want big bucks when renegotiating his contract and I don???t see him bounding too much with Rose style of play??? And we all know this season for the bulls is all about seeing Rose with the teammates.
Besides, Noah should be easily traded??? there are always people blinded by the word ???potential???.

Comment #18 has been removed
January 5, 2009  11:07 AM ET

He's garbage. When he was at Florida he was going off everyones hype. He does try hard but if your team is sorry don't you think your part of the reason?!?! Just bcuz ur in a Bulls jersey doesn mean u will lead the team like Jordan. If him n his team ran the court as much as he ran his mouth they might be able to put some wins on their record.

 
January 5, 2009  11:07 AM ET
QUOTE(#18):

Yes, I did once call him a poor man's Anderson Varejao. It was about a month ago now.

That isn't saying much, is it?? I mean Varejao himself is sort of a scrub, and a poor man's version?? This guy makes sheldon Williams look more valuable. heck make that trade then!!

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