Bulls Shut Noah Down

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 5, 2010 9:20PM

The Chicago Bulls are doing to their blossoming center what many opponents have been unable to -- shut Joakim Noah down. Suffering through a painful bout of plantar fasciitis, the team has decided to rest Noah at least through next weekend's All-Star Break. The team hopes it will give him time heal and return to form. While trying to play through the pain lately, his performance has noticeably suffered -- he recently slipped to third in rebounding after being the second most prolific on the boards for most of the year.

Expect Tyrus Thomas and Brad Miller, who've both seen their minutes reduced with the emergence of Noah and rookie power forward Taj Gibson, to be asked to step up by coach Vinny del Negro. The team plays four more games before the break. To reinforce their front court, the Bulls may also sign Florida alum Chris Richard to a 10-day contract.

What impact Noah's injury has beyond the All-Star break is anybody's guess. The 10 days off may be enough for Noah, but as the Bulls saw with Andres Nocioni a couple years ago, these types of injuries can take time to heal. Further clouding the impact on the team is the February 19 trading deadline and what kinds of moves the team might make as they try to clear cap room for next season.