Joakim Noah will help headline the next class of free agents sent to hit the market following the upcoming NBA season. The center is entering his final season of his current contract and will be aiming for a new deal either with the Chicago Bulls or elsewhere in the league. Noah is coming off a disappointing season in Chicago riddled with injuries which could play a factor into his future.
According to the Chicago Tribune, there have been no reports of negotiations for a new contract for Noah, leaving the center to prove himself after battling knee issues throughout the 2014-15 season. The additions of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic certainly did not help and the coaching changes might also be an issue. However, Noah clarified that he is healthy and hungry for a new season with the Bulls.
"Last year was a tough year for me. I feel it was very humbling," Noah said, via the Tribune. "We went through a lot. Right now, I'm feeling healthy both physically and mentally. I'm really excited about our upcoming opportunity. I never take anything for granted. I feel great. This is the first time I've taken a lot of time for myself to just focus on what I need to get done. Sometimes when you go through humbling experiences, (you) hungrier than ever. And I feel ready to prove I can help this team win big."
According to Sam Smith of NBA.com, Noah could suddenly see himself coming off the bench if new head coach Frank Hoiberg favors Taj Gibson, Gasol or Mirotic more. Both Gasol and Noah are expected to battle for the starting center position as Smith believes Hoiberg will not play two bigs on the court at the same time. That could hurt Noah even more as he battles for a new contract. The money handed to the 30-year-old will only be based on short-term performance instead of his long-term success which includes a Defensive Player of the Year award. Gasol noted that he is not banking on anything this year.
"It's not that I see myself starting, I'm going to work and earn (my spot). I don't take anything for granted no matter how well I played or how great of a player I think I am. You have to prove yourself in practice, earn your minutes, I'm not expecting to play the most minutes on the team...I expect to have a substantial role as I always have in my career and be a key part of our team," said Gasol, via NBA.com.
