It's been a tough few days for the Chicago Bulls and their fans. They're now down 2-0 to the Washington Wizards, both losses coming in their home court.
But there is bright spot for the team that prides itself on hardwork and defense - Joakim Noah was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Noah had a breakout season this year, being forced into the spotlight and a leadership role on squad that was once again looking for one. He answered the call well, improving his offense and even his usually stellar defense with career highs in points per game, rebounds and assists.
You won't see his efforts in the numbers though. He averaged 11.3 rebounds (6th in the league), 1.5 blocks (12th) and 1.2 steals (41st). Good stats, but you'll notice he didn't even reach the Top 5 in any of those categories. To really see Noah's value, you have to watch one of his games. He's big enough to challenge centers and power forwards in the paint and still quick enough to bother opposing guards. His relentless energy just wears opponents down while giving his teammates a boost. He doesn't stop talking on defense - shouting out directions and giving warnings on screens. It's crazy to watch, but beautiful at the same time, for those that appreciate defense.
"Without your system, this wouldn't be possible," said Noah to his coach Tom Thibodeau. That's true. Coach Thibs, the basketball genius that he is, has set up a defensive system that is always tops in the league. But if he didn't have Noah to anchor, lead and execute that system, then it would only be half as effective.
Another person Noah should recognize? Roy Hibbert. Maybe a "Thanks for regressing so much in 2014!" card will do. Hibbert was everyone's favorite to win the award at the start of the year. Midway through the season, with the Pacers at #1 in the East and suffocating other teams, it seemed like it would be a landslide victory for Hibbert. And then he seemingly forgot how to play good basketball on both ends of the court. The Pacers started losing and almost let go of their #1 seed. Most people blamed it on the All-Star center's poor play, which frighteningly for Pacers fans, is still continuing in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Bulls kept winning and winning, eventually ending up #4 when everyone expected them to tank this season. For a while they were the hottest team in the league, and all fingers pointed to their All-Star center.
Make no mistake, Noah deserves this award. It was Hibbert's to lose, and Noah took it from him like he would against anyone trying to get through him. It wasn't even close (voting scores were: 555 points for Noah, 166 for Hibbert).
But there is bright spot for the team that prides itself on hardwork and defense - Joakim Noah was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Noah had a breakout season this year, being forced into the spotlight and a leadership role on squad that was once again looking for one. He answered the call well, improving his offense and even his usually stellar defense with career highs in points per game, rebounds and assists.
You won't see his efforts in the numbers though. He averaged 11.3 rebounds (6th in the league), 1.5 blocks (12th) and 1.2 steals (41st). Good stats, but you'll notice he didn't even reach the Top 5 in any of those categories. To really see Noah's value, you have to watch one of his games. He's big enough to challenge centers and power forwards in the paint and still quick enough to bother opposing guards. His relentless energy just wears opponents down while giving his teammates a boost. He doesn't stop talking on defense - shouting out directions and giving warnings on screens. It's crazy to watch, but beautiful at the same time, for those that appreciate defense.
"Without your system, this wouldn't be possible," said Noah to his coach Tom Thibodeau. That's true. Coach Thibs, the basketball genius that he is, has set up a defensive system that is always tops in the league. But if he didn't have Noah to anchor, lead and execute that system, then it would only be half as effective.
Another person Noah should recognize? Roy Hibbert. Maybe a "Thanks for regressing so much in 2014!" card will do. Hibbert was everyone's favorite to win the award at the start of the year. Midway through the season, with the Pacers at #1 in the East and suffocating other teams, it seemed like it would be a landslide victory for Hibbert. And then he seemingly forgot how to play good basketball on both ends of the court. The Pacers started losing and almost let go of their #1 seed. Most people blamed it on the All-Star center's poor play, which frighteningly for Pacers fans, is still continuing in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Bulls kept winning and winning, eventually ending up #4 when everyone expected them to tank this season. For a while they were the hottest team in the league, and all fingers pointed to their All-Star center.
Make no mistake, Noah deserves this award. It was Hibbert's to lose, and Noah took it from him like he would against anyone trying to get through him. It wasn't even close (voting scores were: 555 points for Noah, 166 for Hibbert).
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