Tom Thibodeau is leading a new team this season, but he’s reportedly hoping to have at least one familiar face by his side.
The new Minnesota Timberwolves head coach plans to pursue free-agent center Joakim Noah this summer, NBA sources told the Sporting News’ Mitch Lawrence. Noah has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Chicago Bulls, where he played under Thibodeau from 2010 to 2015.
Noah, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is known as one of the best defensive big men in the league. But his impact was limited last season after a shoulder injury limited him to 29 games. Noah has averaged 9.3 points and 9.4 total rebounds per game during his career.
Minnesota shouldn’t get its hopes up too soon, as a Bulls source recently told the Daily Herald’s Mike McGraw the team has made re-signing Noah a “high priority.” But the decision ultimately is up to Noah, and a reunion with Thibodeau appears to be one of his options.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
