Joakim Noah Runs With Chicago’s Hot Shots

Joakim Noah wasn’t just focused on the ping-pong approach to changing his shot in his first NBA practice. Noah was fortunate enough to be a part of Chicago’s starting five as he joined Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Ben Wallace as the first unit running the first drill of the first practice of the Bulls 2007-2008 season. Of the “big five” setup coach Scott Skiles said, “It’s only because those guys know all the stuff so they can direct Joakim around for a few days.” Noah, of course, was all smiles after finishing his first practice. According to press notes, Noah said, “I feel real fortunate. This is all a learning process for me. You’re used to being that guy to tell the rookies how to do it. And now you’re just thrown into a situation where you have no idea what’s going on, and it’s a whole different speed. But I accept it, and I’m real excited to be in this position.”

Noah is definitely working hard to earn a solid spot in the Bulls line-up this year. Not only is he using assistant coach Ron Adams’ ping-pong device to alter his shot, he’s also arriving at practice early (an hour and a half early to be exact) in order to rehab his rotator cuff. “I don’t think it will be 100 percent all year. But I’m happy that I didn’t have to get surgery. I think it’s just a question of repetition and doing rehab. If I don’t do the rehab, I can definitely feel the difference in practice.” The rookie forward, who played for the University of Florida until last year, was taken 9^th overall in the 2007 NBA draft.

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