Joakim Noah had a great college career while playing for Billy Donovan at the University of Florida. Noah won back to back NCAA Championships as a collegiate before being selected with the ninth pick of the 2007 NBA Draft. Although Noah was a great college player there were many doubts surrounding the 6'10 big man entering the draft. His frame is slim by NBA standards, he didn't have any great offensive skills and his shooting motion was not a pretty sight.
At the time the thought was the Chicago Bulls had wasted a lottery selection on a player that benefited by playing in a great system with very good teammates. Seven years later Joakim Noah is Chicago's heart and soul. Due to Derrick Rose's ongoing knee issues, Noah has developed into the Bulls best player this season.
Noah is a throw back player at heart. He's accomplished a great deal during his career through hard work. He has been the anchor on the stingiest defensive team in the NBA for years now.
You could make the argument that Noah deserves some MVP votes this season. He is obviously no LeBron James or Kevin Durant, but he has been extremely important for the Bulls this season. Keep in mind the MVP award is to recognize the player whose contributions were most important towards his teams success. Many times the MVP winner is looked at as the best player in the league. The meaning of this award is often misconstrued.
Noah, along with Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond are the only players in the NBA to average 10rpg, 1.5bpg and 1.2spg this season. He is also an underrated passer. Joakim Noah may have been the best center in the NBA this season!
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