Keys For Noah

We’ve talked about how Joakim Noah is definitely a player to keep an eye on during the upcoming 2009-10 NBA season.  Noah, though still very raw offensively, showed himself to be a budding defensive presence in the middle last season and posted some impressive rebounding numbers.  Noah is a player that thrives on his energy and passion for the game.  Bulls fans can find an example of this energy on his now-famous block on Boston’s Paul Pierce in the playoffs last season.  Noah blossomed in the postseason and started to play a bit more under control, something that he’s had some trouble doing in the past.

ESPN’s Rich Bucher noted the transition Noah appeared to be making in the playoffs last season, but also said that Noah has to continue to play a smartly as he did in the postseason.  “Granted, he had the element of surprise last season; most teams discounted him as an energy player who ran out of gas rather quickly and was easily frustrated,” Bucher writes.  ”He played extensive playoff minutes, however, and the transformation caught people’s attention, which means they’ll be a little quicker to put a body on him.  He can’t just play hard this season — he has to play smart.”

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