The Bernstein Brief: Joakim Noah's Knee Is A Lingering Concern
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) When it comes to the health of Joakim Noah, the Bulls are resigned to this being the new normal.
Offseason surgery left him with less-than-ideal cushioning between bones in his left knee, so the 30-year-old big man will now have to deal with varying amounts of pain, making for good days and bad days. Sources told 670 The Score that the team is realistic about Noah's recovery -- which is to say they don't expect much of one -- and that this will be a long-term concern.
The rest of the league is aware enough of the problem that any trade possibility is all but gone, and even if a partner could be found, there's reasonable question as to whether he would pass the required physical.
Noah's averaging 7.2 points per game on career-low 44.5 percent shooting. He hasn't scored in double figures since March 15, and he averaged 4.2 points in six games in April.
Noah will be paid $13.4 million next year, regardless. It's significant money for an "energy" player now rendered less able to provide it consistently.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.