Chicago Bulls' leadership is growing

The Bulls are looking for leadership on and off the court as they prepare for the 76ers on Saturday night at the United Center.

And a few more timely fourth-quarter baskets wouldn't hurt either.

When Joakim Noah was a rookie three years ago, then Bulls coach Scott Skiles chastised Noah for offering a blunt assessment of what the team needed to improve. Skiles indicated such commentary should not come from a first-year player.

"I don't think I really said that much as a rookie, but (the media) just asked me questions and I just answered them," Noah said Friday after practice at the Berto Center. "I don't think there is just one specific (leader). The more experience you have, the more you can talk to somebody who maybe has less. ... Sometimes you speak up and speak your mind, and that's it."