Joakim Noah Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Knee and Return

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah dealt with knee soreness that kept him out of action against the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 9. He has since returned to the lineup

Continue for updates.

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Noah Active vs. Hornets

Friday, Nov. 13

Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago reported Noah will come off the bench for the Bulls against Charlotte.

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Noah Comments on Injury

Tuesday, Nov. 10

"You don't plan on these things," Noah said Monday, via Friedell. "I wasn't expecting it. I've been feeling great up to this point, and it just happened. I don't think it's [anything] too serious, but it was definitely a situation where I had to be smart. I wanted to play tonight really bad."

"I was thinking about [playing]," Noah continued. "It's been bothering me since this morning, but I don't think it's [anything] too serious. I think I made the right decision."

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Injury Adds to Noah's Early-Season Struggles

So far this season, Noah is averaging a mere 2.4 points, 7.1 rebounds while shooting 31 percent from the field in seven games.  

Noah, 30, played in just 67 games last year and clearly was affected by the offseason surgery he had on his left knee, averaging just 7.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, his lowest total in every category since the 2008-09 season. 

While Noah is the backbone of Chicago's defense when he's in the game, his role has been reduced this season under new head coach Hoiberg, who is bringing Noah off the bench. The Bulls are loaded in the frontcourt with Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson all available, so if any team is built to withstand an injury to a player like Noah, the Bulls are, though his return provides the team with frontcourt depth.

Noah's physicality, passion and defensive acumen are impossible to replicate. He's a leader on the court, runs on the break and is a very good passer from the post. He may have a reduced role for Chicago this season, but he's one of the reasons the Bulls are once again considered a top team in the Eastern Conference.