National Basketball Association

Joakim Noah Feels a Low Blow

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Media day may have been quiet, but it’s starting to get louder around the league and Joakim Noah feels like he received a low blow from Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

Yesterday, we had some thoughts on Derrick Rose and his remarks about feeling like he was taken for granted by the Chicago fan base, particularly basketball fans within the city itself. Now, Joakim Noah is having his say.

Like we’ve already said about these players, they are just answering the questions that they are asked. It is important to try to keep the context of any quote in mind before reacting. Noah felt that it was a low blow when Reinsdorf referred to him as no longer being a frontline player. Understandably, Noah took that personally. Athletes love bulletin board material and it the Bulls front office has a penchant for accommodating in that area.

Noah’s response to Reinsdorf was well measured:

“He’s entitled to his opinion,’’ Noah said. “I feel I have no regrets about my time in Chicago. I gave it everything I had. To me that’s all that matters. I did everything I could for that organization. I thought it was a little bit of a low blow, but at the end of the day I have nothing but respect for that organization. I’m just excited for this new chapter of my career.”

Noah maintains that he has “nothing but respect” for Chicago, the team he grew up with and spent his best years leading into the heat of hardwood battle. This response from Noah is great. He showed respect and professionalism while also acknowledging the perceived slight from Reinsdorf.

As for Reinsdorf, he’s probably not wrong. Noah experienced a decline in production and health – no doubt from carrying a mostly Rose-less Bulls team. Chicago had the chance to turn the final year of Rose’s contract into Robin Lopez, the younger, healthier, cheaper and arguably better player. That was the right choice, they knew that they weren’t going to bring back Rose and adding Lopez allowed them to steer clear of any negotiations with Noah that wouldn’t have reach a successful end regardless.

That is another factor to consider. Reinsdorf’s comments were made well after Noah and Rose were no longer with the team. Noah may have felt like those comments were a low blow, but he was already gone. The blow seemed to be one of the most accurate perceptions of the Bulls that Reinsdorf may ever have in retrospect.

We all miss Noah. He gave everything to Chicago. His comments echo his love of the team he grew up with and maintains his respect for the fans and the city itself. And isn’t that just like Reinsdorf to aggravate a former on-court leader of the most successful franchise he owns.