Joakim Noah: I can learn from Pau Gasol

The Chicago Bulls might have missed on the superstar free agents this offseason, but they still ended up with the consolation prize of Pau Gasol.

More from Chicago Bulls

Joakim Noah, for one, says he’s excited about Gasol’s presence and that he can learn from the two-time NBA champion.

From the Chicago Tribune:

"“Pau is somebody who is very, very smart,” Noah said. “He’s somebody who comes with a lot of experience. He’s not just a great player. He’s somebody who cares about the community as well. I’m excited to see him help us as well in trying to slow down the violence and help the kids out here in Chicago. It’s very humbling to play with somebody who has won championships with his pedigree. He’s somebody I can really learn from."

Gasol has the potential to be a real difference maker for the Bulls. He’s 33, but is still coming off a season with the Los Angeles Lakers in which he averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. A frontline consisting of Noah, Gasol and Taj Gibson is extremely formidable and makes Chicago serious contenders to make the NBA Finals.

Noah also spoke about the Bulls’ failed pursuit of Carmelo Anthony, making the very obvious statement that Chicago has a deeper team than the New York Knicks.

"“(Anthony) did the right decision for him. We obviously recruited him pretty hard. I think he had to make the best decision for him. I’m really excited about our team the way it is. I think we’re deeper. Me personally, I can’t control where another man goes. If he feels like New York is the best position for him, I’m happy for him. At the end of the day, what I care about is this city and the Chicago Bulls.”"

It’s obvious Carmelo would have had a better shot to win a title if he went to the Bulls. However, he didn’t and Chicago ended up with Gasol, which Noah seems to be just fine with.

Home/Chicago Bulls