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And after Thursday's light workout here, the Bulls chose to send Noah back to Chicago for treatment on the plantar fasciitis in his left foot that clearly has hobbled the energetic and emotional leader the last two games.
General manager Gar Forman said Noah would be re-evaluated when the All-Star break concludes Feb. 14, meaning the league's third-leading rebounder will miss at least the four games before the break begins.
"This sucks but I need to get it better," Noah said via text message.
Coach Vinny Del Negro said in a phone interview that Brad Miller would take Noah's starting center position. Tyrus Thomas' minutes also should increase, and sources said the Bulls plan to sign Noah's fellow Florida alum Chris Richard to a 10-day contract.
Richard, a late training-camp cut by the Bulls, suddenly is needed to shore up a depleted frontcourt that no longer has Aaron Gray and features Taj Gibson battling plantar fasciitis in his right foot and Miller nursing a sore left knee.
"After visiting with Joakim and our medical staff, we felt this was the best course of action," Forman said.
It is good that the Bulls will give Noah some rest. Perhaps they will sign Richard. At least he knows the plays.
