Joakim Noah injury update: Bulls center out four to six months
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah will miss six months after having shoulder surgery
The Chicago Bulls are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference and in second place in the Central Division. Forward Joakim Noah had to leave Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks after separating his shoulder. Noah will miss four to six months and will require surgery.
Noah needs surgery, sidelined 4-6 months, per Bulls.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 17, 2016
The Bulls will need to replace Noah’s inside presence. He’s averaging 4.3 points per game this season with 8.8 rebounds per game and 1.0 blocks per game after seeing his playing time cut due to the play of Pau Gasol. Look for the Bulls to lean on Cameron Bairstow or Cristiano Felicio to help replace Noah’s minutes. They will likely try to bring in someone to replace Joakim Noah since he is most likely out for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Bairstow and Felicio have only averaged a combined 5.8 minutes per game.
Noah has been a great defensive specialist for the Bulls and is one of the better defensive centers in the NBA. Even though he only plays a bench role, it’s hard to replace guys like Noah because guys who can shut down big men are hard to find.