Joakim out for 10 weeks

[radbag]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-spt-1216-joakim-noah-bulls-raptors20101215,0,7953711.story

TORONTO — At a time their winning streak stretched to seven games and all signs should be pointing upward, the Bulls received a big thumbs down.

Two weeks after Carlos Boozer made his season debut following surgery on his right hand, two team sources told the Tribune just before halftime Wednesday that Joakim Noah will undergo surgery on Thursday morning to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.

The Bulls officially announced the news after the 110-93 victory over the Raptors.

Noah is scheduled to miss eight to 10 weeks, not returning until after the All-Star break in late February or early March. That would be at least 30 games for the heart and soul — and rebounding machine — of the franchise.

"It sucks," Noah said. "It's not what I want. But I have to get back to playing at a high level. I'm tired of taking anti-inflammatory (pills) every time I play. I'm tired of not dribbling with my right hand.

"I'm going to miss playing. It's frustrating because I feel we have a chance to be really, really good. But I know in the long run, this is what needs to be done."

Having the surgery now ensures Noah will return in time for the playoffs.

"We're disappointed for Jo," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He has put a lot of work in.

"But our guys are confident and the bench is deep. We have more than enough to win with. Taj (Gibson) and Kurt (Thomas) have started a bunch of games in the league. Lu (Deng) has been very, very effective at (power forward). And Carlos can go to (center) some."

Replacing Noah's intensity and length will be difficult. Thibodeau said he eventually would like to lock into a new starting lineup but will try different combinations initially.

The injury comes at a difficult time for the Bulls, who integrated Boozer seamlessly after he missed the first 15 games from an Oct. 2 incident in which he tripped over a gym bag at home and fractured the fifth metacarpal on his right hand.

Noah entered Wednesday's game ranked fifth in the league at 11.7 rebounds per game. That represented a career-high, as did his 14.2 ppg.

Noah's injury is the same as the one Kirk Hinrich suffered in the 2008-09 season. Hinrich missed nine weeks and 31 games that season. Noah also said he suffered the same injury and had the same surgery on his left hand during high school.

Making the situation even odder, Noah scored 11 points with 11 rebounds against the Raptors after team physicians assured management he could do no further damage to the ligament.

"He's a warrior for playing through it," Boozer said.

Added Kyle Korver: "He hasn't said a word about it all year. We've all seen the wrap on his hand. You look at it and it's swollen. You ask how it is and he just says it's fine."

Team officials said Noah first suffered the injury Nov. 27 at Sacramento, and the thumb took another significant whack Dec. 4 against the Rockets. Shortly after that, Noah began taping his hand but he wore a more advanced brace on his thumb against the Raptors.

Noah also suffered significant sprains of his right index and middle fingers, but those won't require surgery.

"Losing him is going to hurt us," Derrick Rose said. "We all know that. The guys coming in for him like Taj and Omer and Kurt have to be ready to ball. We have to get their confidence high. There's a lot on them. But I think they can bear it."

Thomas, a 15-year veteran, started playoff games for the Bucks last season after Andrew Bogut got injured.

"I'll be ready when my number is called," Thomas said. "That's what I've been doing my whole career. Just go out there and play."

Playing, of course, is what Noah will miss the most. He said he planned to travel with the team, but nothing can replicate the joy this game brings him.

"We'll be fine," Noah said. "We're very good. But what's frustrating is not being able to play with the guys. I've had a little time to think whether I was going to get the surgery or not. I spoke to my family. I got a lot of support from my teammates and coaches and (team executives John Paxson and Gar Forman).

"In the long run, this team can do something special. But this hurts."

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[Toothy]

Blows. After a rough start with the Bulls -- very interesting history there -- Noah is emerging as a serious force, in terms of both play and intangibles. The Bulls aren't ready to contend with the Lakers (though they beat them the other night), but if they're healthy in May and June, they might make some noise.

I personally would very much enjoy seeing them beat the Miami cHeat.