Okay, NBA Legend may be a stretch, but Joakim Noah did have an outstanding NBA career that included a couple of All-Star appearance's, a Defensive Player of the Year Award, and a most impressively a 4th place finish in the 2013-14 MVP voting.
As a Bulls fan though, Noah meant so much more than the accolades. He wasn't a flashy player by any means; but you always knew he was going to play his nuts off for you, and when you play in a city like Chicago that is the easiest way to get to the people's heart. Watching him play the 2013-14 season was special. That was a middling Bulls team that quickly had the excitement of Derrick Rose's return wear off after he had to have another knee surgery that would end his return after just 10 games. That combined with Luol Deng being dealt for essentially money (shout out Jerry Reinsdorf) midseason, the exciting era of Bulls basketball that appeared to be on the horizon was dead before we could blink. Jo had other plans though, he went and had his best season as an NBA Player and led the Bulls to 48 wins. Jo put up 12.6 ppg with 11.6 boards and as one of the better passing big men in the game he put up 5.4 assists and included 4 triple doubles. The numbers just don't do Jo justice in describing how good he truly was for that team. but his production was recognized. Not only did this season lead him to be the Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA but also ended up 4th(!!!) in the MVP voting.
He wasn't the flashiest or the most skilled but no one played harder and maximized their production like Jo.
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