National Basketball Association

Report: Noah to play for Team France

Published Jul. 12, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A person familiar with Joakim Noah's decision says the Chicago Bulls center plans to play for the French national team in the European Championships in Lithuania.

The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Noah's plans.

Noah was limited by a thumb injury last season, averaging 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 games while helping the Bulls to a league-best 62 wins. They came up short in the Eastern Conference finals, losing to the Miami Heat.

France begins play in the European Championships against Latvia on Aug. 31.