Fantasy Basketball: Joakim Noah Is Trending Up

Joakim Noah has really been taking advantage of the extra touches since Derrick Rose went down to yet another knee injury. On the season Noah is averaging 7.6 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game on 30 minutes. Over the last 15 days, Noah has upped that to 7.2 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block a game. While his scoring might not be up, he is getting more touches and helping to facilitate that offense just like we thought he would.

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Noah has always been a very emotional hustle-first player who is willing to do anything he can to contribute to his team’s success. We don’t really know if maybe Noah has been still getting healthy and in shape for the first half of the season, but he has taken on a much larger role and should continue to do so.

Noah is the kind of player that I would be looking to target if my team was in the hunt for a fantasy title. I realize that he will come with some risk of missing games due to nagging and minor injuries, but as long as the Bulls have a shot at the playoffs Noah has proven that he is willing to lay his body on the line.

If this injury to Jimmy Butler (getting an MRI Monday) is serious, then Noah will be forced to take on even more of the offensive burden. I would also think that even if Butler does not miss much time, it could give Noah some more touches as Butler will almost certainly need to drop down in minutes and touches. Also having Taj Gibson miss some time due to a nagging ankle injury has given Noah some extra touches and minutes, but the Bulls will need Noah’s heart, hustle, and muscle to power through this injury riddled part of the season.

When trying to look at next season for Noah the picture becomes pretty cloudy. The Bulls are very liable to make some major moves if Derrick Rose does not come back and lead a decent playoff push. Most people have written Rose off as far as his future is concerned, but I would not be so quick to call him the next Brandon Roy. I realize it is possible, but let’s let his play if and when he comes back this season speak for itself. I believe Noah, if he stays in his current role, is a borderline keeper type of player for next year and decent as far as a dynasty player.

If I was not in playoff contention, I would probably be selling him hard on all the points that I have laid out here for you for an upgraded keeper. If my team was in contention, I would just ride him until he falls off unless I got a Bulls fan wiling to overpay. Noah is definitely a player who should, barring injury, help your team win a title, and that is what we are here for. If you have any questions then hit us up on Twitter at the links below.

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