By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Joakim Noah was honored by the Chicago Bulls during the game versus the New York Knicks held Thursday. The retired French center was also named Bulls Ambassador, the team announced prior to the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season fixture.
“I’m truly humbled to be honored by both the team and city that I have always loved and respected,” said Noah, per the press release, “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.”
Noah, 36, spent the majority of his NBA career as a member of the Bulls. He moved on to the Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers with briefer stints until his decision to retire.
“When Joakim played for the Bulls, you could see how much he cared about the kids and everything that’s going on in the city,” noted Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls President and COO. “He still comes into town, and he still cares so much. People in Chicago realize that he was more than just a basketball player, he was someone who cared about the community, someone who was going to do his best to make a difference in this world and he has. Joakim embodies every quality you’d want in a team ambassador. This is a natural next step for a former player with such strong history of giving back to Chicago.”
The new Bulls Ambassador is expected to work with the organization building relationships with people through Chicago and across the Bulls Nation. Also, the Bulls will make an annual donation to his charity, the Noah’s Arc Foundation.
Below, the video released by the team celebrating Noah’s nine-year run in Chicago.
Photo Credit: Getty Images