Bulls name Joakim Noah team ambassador

The Chicago Bulls named former center Joakim Noah a team ambassador Thursday.

He will be honored ahead of tonight's game against the New York Knicks.

Noah spent nine years with the Bulls as part of a celebrated 13-year NBA career that included the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year award and a spot on the All-NBA first team.

"I'm truly humbled to be honored by both the team and city that I have always loved and respected," Noah said.

"Even more so to be able to celebrate tonight with family, friends, former players, and coaches, and most of all, the Bulls fans who helped drive my energy throughout my years in a Bulls uniform at the United Center."

Noah appeared in 572 regular-season games with Chicago and averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.41 blocks, and 0.84 steals. He finished his Bulls tenure ranked tops in offensive rebounds (1,910), third in blocks (803), and fourth in total rebounds (5,387) and defensive rebounds (3,477). Noah also sits ninth in games played (572), minutes played (16,848), and steals (481).

"It means so much to me that I'm now a Bull for life. I love you all and am thrilled tonight to solidify my continued connection with the Bulls and the city of Chicago in this new chapter of my life," Noah said.