Sam Smith: Bulls’ Noah an All-Star in everyone’s eyes
Noah on a "humbling" achievement: "I’m just happy the hard work is paying off"
January 30, 2014 – The NBA announced earlier this evening that Joakim Noah has been named a reserve for the Eastern Conference in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. For Noah, tabbed by Eastern Conference Head Coaches, his selection marks the second straight year that he has earned All-Star honors. Noah also joins former Bulls center Artis Gilmore (1978, 1979; 1981, 1982) as the only big men in team history to garner All-Star accolades in consecutive seasons.
"Joakim is extremely deserving of being named an NBA All-Star for the second year in a row,” said Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “It's easy to appreciate how much passion and energy he has for the game every time he steps on the court, but I'm fortunate to also see how hard he works behind closed doors and that is what has helped make him the player and leader he has become."
On the year, the seventh-year big man has started 43 games and averaged 11.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg (second in the East, seventh in the NBA), 4.2 apg (first in the NBA among centers), 1.37 bpg (seventh in the East, 17th in the NBA) and 1.14 spg in 33.8 mpg. He is also one of just eight players in the NBA who is currently averaging a double-double; he also ranks sixth in the league in total rebounds (489) and seventh in offensive boards (163).
On All-Star Sunday last year in Houston, Noah made his first All-Star appearance and posted eight points, 10 boards and three assists in 16:12 of play. For the Bulls, this marks the fifth straight season that they will have a player participate in the NBA’s midseason showcase.
The 63rd NBA All-Star Game will be played at the New Orleans Arena on Sunday, Feb. 16 (7:00 p.m., CT), and will be televised on TNT and broadcast on ESPN Radio.