Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer Is the Chicago Bulls' Best Frontcourt Combination

Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer have been under fire for poor performances this season but they still remain starters and the best possible frontcourt combination on the Chicago Bulls roster. 

Monday night, Noah looked like he got back on track, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Bulls victory against the visiting New Jersey Nets.  Carlos Boozer nearly had a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. 

At times, coach Tom Thibodeau has given Omer Asik and Taj Gibson more minutes and the opportunity to help Derrick Rose win close games.  In a Chicago Sun-Times article by Neil Hayes, Thibodeau said:

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We’re in the midst of a lot of games in a short amount of time. You just have to go with the guys who have some energy. 

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Gibson and Asik work well together.  They don’t pile on the points but what they lack in scoring, they make up for in tough, defensive intensity. 

Unfortunately, Noah and Boozer have had limited time playing together.  Last year Boozer hurt his thumb before the season started.  When he came back, Noah got injured.

Now they are both finally healthy.  They’re still the big boys; definitely the best frontcourt the Bulls have had in a while. 

Thibodeau went on:

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We need those guys. Carlos and Jo are a huge part of our team. On a lot of nights — on most nights — they carry us, along with Derrick. We need everyone.

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Noah is one of the NBA’s best defenders.  Asik is a great defender but Noah brings more to the table.  He’s better at finishing at the rim and passing.  Also, there are not many centers in the NBA who can lead a fast break.  

Boozer's scoring is a great complement to Noah's defense.  Gibson is starting to show improvement in his jump shot, but Boozer is still the Bulls best scoring option outside of Derrick Rose.

Noah and Boozer are like yin and yang.  Noah brings defense and energy.  Boozer brings that sweet, high arching fade-away.  

The rushed schedule holds most of the blame for their early struggles.  It’s happening all around the NBA.  Some players need some time to get their legs back.

Boozer likes to be fed the ball early and often.  Against the Phoenix Suns he went off for 31 points—the first time he’s done that in a year.  In a win against the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday, Boozer played 37 minutes without Gibson (ankle) and tallied 23 points, 17 of which came in the second half.

Noah hurt his ankle in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers but is healthy and now the two should enjoy some playing time together. 

As the season progresses and competition for home-court advantage heats up, these two players will be playing most of the minutes.  That is if Noah will stop shooting those ugly-looking outside jumpers.

The Bulls identity is balance.  The starters all complement each other.  Richard Hamilton keeps attention off Derrick Rose.  Noah makes up for Boozer’s poor defense.  Luol Deng, well, he’s just a one man show.

The Bulls recipe for success is depth.  Asik and Gibson are valuable bench players.  Although Noah’s offense hasn't been consistent, it’s still more reliable than Asik’s.  Boozer’s protégé, Gibson, comes off the bench, punches his clock, and puts in a hard day’s work every game. 

However, Boozer is the best offensive weapon the Bulls have except for the MVP.  Joakim is the best defender.  Together, they make the best frontcourt combination on the team.