Bulls' Noah still adjusting to surgically repaired knees

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah had knee surgery this offseason, and as one would expect, Noah's going through an adjustment period.

“[Noah is] a work in progress," head coach Tom Thibodeau told the Chicago Sun-Times. "He's starting to feel better. You can see his timing is coming around. That was his first back-to-back [Monday and Tuesday night]. That was good. He has to work at it.''

Noah underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May. A press release from the Bulls described the injury as minor, calling for Noah to miss just three months, but a report thereafter indicated that Noah had some cartilage cleaned.

For his part, the tough-minded Noah didn't shed much light on his recovery.

“[No pain] at all,'' Noah said. “In the beginning I was a little bit more uncomfortable, I was a little ­limited. I still have to get my strength back, I have to get the strength back in my leg. Just trying to manage practicing, playing. But overall I'm happy with where it's at.''

However, even Noah himself admitted that the process of healing will take time, and that he will be conscientious of preserving his health. 

“There's a plan,'' Noah said. “We just take it day by day and see how it feels, see if there are any ­setbacks.''

Noah forms the backbone of Chicago's league-leading defense. His unique mix of instincts, versatility, mobility and strength makes Noah an ideal modern center. 

Additionally, Noah's playmaking is a huge boost for Chicago. Noah won't have the ball nearly as much this coming season with the Bulls having added Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, Doug McDermott and a healthy Derrick Rose, but Noah's passing from the high post is crucial to the Bulls' offensive schemes.

Last season, Noah played 80 out of a possible 82 games, averaging 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. He earned defensive player of the year honors last season and Noah was voted to the All-NBA first team.

(courtesy: Eye on Basketball)