Joakim Noah, who will be honored by the Bulls during Thursday night’s game vs. the Knicks, has been named a “Bulls Ambassador,” the team announced in a press release. According to the club, Noah will work with the organization to “build relationships with people throughout Chicago and across Bulls Nation.”
“I’m truly humbled to be honored by both the team and city that I have always loved and respected,” Noah said in a statement. “Even more so to be able to celebrate tonight with family, friends, former players and coaches, and most of all – the Bulls fans who helped drive my energy throughout my years in a Bulls uniform at the United Center. It means so much to me that I’m now a Bull for life. I love you all and am thrilled tonight to solidify my continued connection with the Bulls and the city of Chicago, in this new chapter of my life.”
The ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft, Noah spent the first nine seasons of his 13-year NBA career in Chicago. Although he never averaged more than 12.6 PPG in a season, he was a difference-maker for the Bulls, earning three All-Defensive nods and two All-Star appearances.
Noah’s best year came in 2013/14, when he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year and was voted to the All-NBA First Team. The Bulls made the playoffs in seven consecutive years during his time with the team, appearing in the Eastern Finals once. Noah announced his retirement earlier this year.
Noah’s ambassador role sounds like a fairly casual one, focused primarily on fan outreach. However, if he has interest in transitioning into coaching or a front office position in the future, I imagine the Bulls would be open to accommodating him.
Nice. 13 year career for a 2017 draft pick.
Guess the Bulls will not be doing outreach in Cleveland. Good for Jo, always a fan favorite.
Heart, Hustle, Team, Passion. Those words defined Joakim. And with that, he endeared himself to Bulls fans. Brought it every night.
And AMC had a RAMBLER AMBASSADOR..
We know how that turned out !!
Had his best yrs in Chicago. A Thibs guy all the way. He blew it in NY. Wasn’t serious about balling then.
Not his fault that Phil Jackson gave him that ridiculous contract when he was already done. Was a team first guy who played with all his heart and a damn good rebounder.
Really nice of the Knicks to pay him $6.4 million too