Joakim Noah’s days in Chicago are reportedly numbered.
The Bulls big man has told teammates he is done with the team and has no faith in general manager Gar Forman to turn around the franchise’s fortunes, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Noah’s relationship with coach Fred Hoiberg is not a major factor in his feelings, with Forman the target of his ire. That feeling is reportedly echoed by a number of players.
“We know there’s at least one assistant [coach] that tells Gar everything that goes on,” an anonymous player was quoted as saying. “There’s a lot of guys that have a problem with that, and not just Jo.”
Noah’s relationship with Forman is said to be so bad that, when Forman’s wife approached him to take part in a Bulls charity auction, the famously charitable Noah declined, feeling pressured.
The players also reportedly believe that Forman faces no accountability for his roster, given his close relationship with team president Michael Reinsdorf.
Noah and Hoiberg reportedly were not on the best of terms earlier in the season, although that has apparently improved somewhat. Chicago regressed, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and having their worst season since 2009-10. Noah has been a huge part of that successful stretch, but it sounds like he may not be a part of things going forward, and Forman will have to take a long, hard look at the team’s direction.
