Chicago Bulls' Spanish frontcourt connection of Pau Gasol (L) and Nikola Mirotic. (Photo : Getty Images)
Rumors are out that new Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg is favoring the Spanish starting tandem of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic for the team's frontline positions this coming season, which would leave former starter Joakim Noah playing off the bench for the first time in years.
Noah, a two-time All-Star and the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is close to being relegated to the Bulls bench following a steep decline on his performance after being "just 17 months removed from finishing fourth in the 2013-14 MVP race," as reported by Yahoo Sports.
While Noah is reportedly fine with the idea of being a substitute, some analysts consider it as a waste of elite talent just to warm a bench.
"Whatever is best for the team. It's not about me right now. It's about this team," said the 30-year-old veteran. "We have to figure out ways to get better. And we will."
Hoiberg said that he had brought up the plan to Noah and the 43-year-old former Bulls shooting guard said that the former Florida Gators standout was excited about pairing with Taj Gibson in Chicago's second unit.
"He didn't fight it one bit," the coach said. "I think he's excited to play with Taj and the chemistry those two have together."
Meanwhile, Gasol reiterated the great chemistry he and his fellow Spaniard has developed since playing together in the Spain national team and he believes it will translate seamlessly in the NBA as well.
"We went through ups and downs. We won a championship that was very difficult to win, so obviously that brings people together," the seven-foot, two-time NBA champion said, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. "Comfort level? I would say big."
