Well deserved..Dude played well all year...Big Ups!!!
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/i... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah will be named the defensive player of the year, according to a league source. The news conference will be held at 4 p.m. CT.
Noah is in the midst of the best season of his professional career, averaging 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game during the regular season. While Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau didn't confirm the news, he has acknowledged throughout the year just how important Noah has been on both ends of the floor.
Aside from serving as the defensive anchor for Thibodeau's system, Noah has also become an even bigger leader on and off the floor for his teammates after the loss of Derrick Rose (knee surgery) and the trade of Luol Deng to Cleveland.
"I'm not going to comment right now," Thibodeau said after Monday's practice. "Because the league has asked us to wait until they make an announcement. But Jo's had a great year for us. So I'll comment at the appropriate time. ... I'd like to keep my money."
Noah becomes the first Bull since Michael Jordan to win the prestigious award. Jordan won the award in 1988. The emotional center also has a strong chance to make the All-NBA first team.
Teammate Taj Gibson is considered a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, while Thibodeau figures to be in the running for Coach of the Year.
CSN Chicago earlier reported news of Noah's recognition.
Much deserved. Noah is a hard worker. I think the nba community finally except it this season. Much deserved award. Go Ny!
He should've won it over chandler 2yrs ago too
gunsnewing wrote:He should've won it over chandler 2yrs ago too
Dwight and Bron had better defensive seasons too that year...
I'ts amazing how that award hasn't went to a guard in damn near(gary payton, MJ)20 years, and thats the only guard's in more the 30+ yrs. Ron artest won as a SF..
I really would like to know how they establish the winner of this award, they mind as well call it "THE BEST BIG MAN AWARD"
really he's one of my favorite players. he would have made a GREAT knick!
So cool seeing him transfer his skills to the next level.
Yes, I would target Noah and Durant in 2016/17 while looking to break up the entire roster with expirings and picks
Adding assets, draft picks, development players, and targeting the right pieces as VALUE contracts with our MLE this summer and 2015 UFA's
Building a winning culture and developing a new system takes times and luckily we own our 2015 draft pick
Phil Jackson did not win it all with even Shaq and Kobe, it took time for them to develop, as it will take time for us to do so as well
