Joakim Noah, the Bulls newest ambassador and one of the NBA’s most interesting men on and off the court, will be properly honored Thursday night in Chicago. The son of a professional tennis player and Miss Universe contestant will get his due at The United Center for his efforts and contributions during his 13 years in the NBA. The Knicks come to town to play the Bulls in a matchup of two of Noah’s former teams for “Joakim Noah Night.”
The Bulls put together a great (long) thank you video outlining what Noah meant during and after his time with the organization.
For anyone who appreciated the Noah/Rose/Boozer/Thibodeau era of Chicago basketball, this whole week has been a nostalgic blur. The Bulls Twitter account has been full of content and pictures that will bring any fan back to an incredible time.
Here at UDS, we would like to join the party in heaping praise on Joakim. Some of his greatest career highlights (in our opinion) are below.
Draft Day
One of the GOAT pictures in NBA, if not all of history.
Where do we even start?
Every single aspect of this picture brings joy. The tan pinstripe suit, the draft day hat barely containing the glorious hair, the gap-toothed infectious smile, the oversized bow tie.
The overall complete contrast next to David Stern makes Noah’s draft day picture one of the greatest of all time.
It’s so perfect.
Photo: Pinterest
Too Lit
After his time in Chicago, Noah signed with the Knicks in 2016.
An unfortunately unsuccessful tenure that only lasted three injury-filled seasons.
In an interview with Chris Vernon, Noah admitted: “I can look back at it and say I was ready for New York City…[b]ut I wasn’t. Not just the pressure. I remember after the first game I had 60 people in my house. I’m too lit to play in New York City.”
The blunt honesty is something so rare we get as fans, and Noah should be applauded for being so sincere on such a public failure.
Photo: Celebs First
Celebrations
That guy on the left looks like someone who loves to celebrate, no?
Joakim always showed his emotions, and was never scared to acknowledge a dunk, basket, or defensive play.
From his college days at Florida, to random intramural soccer matches, Noah is here to enjoy his time.
We miss him, and we love him for it.
Photo: Pixels
So Jo, Sticks, Mr. Noah, Stickity, and any other loving name we can use, thank you. Your energy, openness, and general vibe made you one of the most entertaining players the NBA has had in its history.
Home 