Joakim Noah, please shut up
Will someone please tell Chicago Bulls rookie Joakim Noah to shut up! I have never ever heard a rookie talk so much and be involved in so much controversy within the locker room. Noah, rookies are meant to be seen not heard. Shut up will you and learn.I blame this on the Bulls veterans for even allowing this rookie to feel like he is a spokesman. I remember when I was a rookie I was scared to open my mouth to say hi. I had players like Sam Lacey, Ernie Grunfeld, Leon Douglas, Phil Ford, Reggie King and Joe C. Meriweather who would slap me upside the head if I even breathed too loud.
I had to deliver a newspaper and donuts to those guys every day before they left the hotel room for practice. I only asked questions, I never suggested and I never talked loud enough to drown out their voices in a conversation.
Why?
Because as I told Scott Burrell (a rookie when I played with the Charlotte Hornets) when he asked me one day out of frustration, “Eddie, do you know everything?” I said, “No, Scott. You just know nothing!”
Scott and I are very good friends to this day and he always reminds me of that comment I made to him and today he understands why.
Rookies must learn, this is another level. Noah, I don’t think anyone has told you yet but you are not at Florida anymore. Yes, it was nice you won back-to-back titles. And yes, it was nice your team got along splendidly.
Guess what, that’s over and done with. Your reward was being drafted high and garnering a ton of attention, but now you are trying to earn the real deal contract. That is the contract that says you performed well at this level because until now the paycheck you are banking every month is based on what you did at Florida.
The Bulls don’t need a rookie explaining why he and Ben Wallace had an argument, which seems quite silly when you think about it, because Wallace has paid his dues and has a championship to boot.
Something tells me Noah feels like he knows how to win since he has two NCAA titles. Well, let’s put that team back together at this level and see where it gets you.
Here’s my advice to Noah: Just use that energy to keep improving and leave the talking to the veterans and listen because it’s called respect! Oh and yeah, please shut up.
SiC Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 8:59 am
Respect for whom exactly on this team? Ben Wallace? Oh wait, this is meant to be funny, correct?
Rob Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:03 am
You hit it on the head, Joakim should keep his mouth shut but it’s the rest of the Bulls that are the problems. They are NOT leaders and are not star players.
Steve Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:04 am
amen to this post. I’ve been waiting for someone in the NBA world outside of the Bulls to be this blunt; the Chicago beat writers are actually defending Noah.
You speak the truth, Eddie Johnson.
Mallpha Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:05 am
general i think rookies should watch what they say and value every word but i geta bit of felling you did write that witha lot of anger Eddie its almost liek you would question this guy right to speak up his mind
CFatz Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Well you’ve done it again Mr. Johnson. Once more opening the door to the NBA locker room. Thanx 4 letting us see what goes on inside. I recognize Joakim Noah as an energetic force off the bench. I don’t see him as a stiff, but neither do I see him as a really skilled NBAer. Do you think he’ll ever be a consistent and productitve contributer to a contender? Or will he always just be a tradeable contract to make someone elses numbers fit under a salary cap?
CF
Jon Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:12 am
well, that was articulate…
Sure Noah is maybe talking too much and thinks he knows much more than he does but i’m just glad to see someone on the Bulls showing signs of having a pulse.
And standing up to Ben Wallace is something i think needs to be done.
Jorel Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Look at the bulls faces on that bench when they are down 20pts., 10 pts., hell even 8 with only 2 minutes left in regulation. I’ve seen more heart, more drive on the dancefloor of a senior center.
Sure his emotion could to be channeled, maybe even toned down a slight notch. But you can’t tell me that you don’t want that type of fire. Sure he is a rook. But he is also a man and a teamate, on a terrible team. It isn’t like he’s saying, “why would Pax not trade Ben force the shot gordon and tough but still a backup Nocioni for a better (defense and shoot creation) guard?” or “How in sam hell could we have picked Stromile Swift jr. a.k.a. Tyrus Thomas and not LaMarcus Aldrige?” Or even “we suck because Pax gave up on a stud in Tyson Chandler (not to mention E-City) and got back a year from a solid (i,e. underwhelming) P.J. Brown?”
He hasn’t even called out Big Ben for being overrated been. When Joe Smith and Noah are the only things that are a maybe in the paint for the sapless bulls, it’s not a good look. Regardless of what anyone EVEN a rookie says.
Jensen Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Chris Duhon said the same exact thing Eddie(See below). So your post isnt unfair or biased in any way. I hope Noah learns from you and his teammates. Keep posting Eddie, I find you very insightful and appreciate the time you put into this blog!
Bulls guard Chris Duhon tells ESPN 1000 in Chicago about the Bulls’ struggles, and rookie Joakim Noah’s difficult adjustment:
“Joakim’s a great kid. He’s very energetic, he likes to speak his mind, which is a great — there are times for that. The thing that gets him in trouble is that he’s got to realize he’s a rookie. He hasn’t accomplished anything in this league yet. He’s only played like 30-something games. We know that he can be a great player, and I believe that he’s going to be a great player. But he’s got to leave what he accomplished in college with him being a national champion and all that. That’s irrelevant now. Now you’re in the NBA, now you need to make your own legacy. Everyone’s got their own scrapbook to say what they accomplished here and there. He should just be taking advantage of being able to learn from from veterans like Joe Smith and Ben Wallace and improving his game every day.”
yaya Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:37 am
This noah kid, really needs to shut his ” bug face up” rookies need to know their position, he’s getting paid to play not coach…i never liked this noah kid, my personal opinions, he plays and acts up for the cameras. Overrated as a college player, and i dont see him lasting long in NBA..whats he averaging like 3 ppg and 3 boards?..i know he’s not getting minutes, but maybe if he shuts his mouth ..he might
Michael Bennett Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Although Noah is out of his element when he’s talking at press time, the old days of rookie hazing are (and should be) over. Sorry, Eddie, that you had to carry doughnuts and newspapers to the veterans every morning. But, Noah IS a proven winner, and winning two championships at the college level DOES matter in the NBA.
When Melo came to the Nuggets, I don’t think he had to pour coffee for Marcus Camby because Melo was the rookie. LeBron wasn’t shining Z’s shoes after games in his rookie season. And, it wasn’t because they were just talented. They earned a level of respect, in Melo’s case, by leading Syracuse to a championship, and in LeBron’s case, by signing a $90 million contract.
I think back-to-back college titles earns you a break on doughnut and newspaper duty. Remember Eddie, when you were a rookie, players could wear chains in the game. I’ll quote Mr. Zimmerman (again): “The times they are a changin’…”
Bron42 Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:24 am
first off, please dont EVER put lebron and melo in the same sentence as noah. thier on a whole nother planet. And too this day rookie hazing still goes on. Unless your some elite player who is gonna promise 20+ wins, the vets expect you to do what they say (if their legit vets and not just guys 3 years older than you). I mean if chris paul had to deal with hazing and just being called “rook” your tellin me noah is expected to be vocal when he is known less for his 2 championships and more for his antics while gettin them? Its just like a real job, sure they might not be gettin donuts and havin to carry the vets bags, but you still have to know your place. Bob in the mail room isn’t runnin his mouth about how he hates the senior VP either and keepin his job no matter how many degrees he has. same with noah.
Steve Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:28 am
I do not agree with this comment. Because someone is a rookie does not mean they have to be quiet like some baby or something. I know that I would have not been bringing doughnut’s and newspapers, because I am in a city to play basketball not be some kind of servant. Also, because someone has a championship ring does not mean the world by the tail. Sports writers should quit always saying that because someone has won a championship that they deserve a different kind of respect. The part I do agree with is that Noah should just be cool play his game and quit being so outspoken and that will keep hir out of trouble. Ending my comment is that I can see some players on the Bulls not liking Noah for reasons that are totally bull s__t.
Kevin Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:59 am
HAHAHAHA
Did that guy just compare Noah to Melo and Lebron James? I’ve seen and heard it all now.
Just because times are changing doesn’t mean respect and tradition should be altered. Noah was simply being disrespectful and out of line. “Hazing” of rookies isn’t just about degrading someone or bringing them back down to size… its honestly just prep. These future superstars and hall of famers need that year to just honestly be under the radar in the locker room. It seriously builds great character for those like Wade who earned the respect he has now. Noah needs to shut up…. he hasn’t earned the right to speak up whenever he wants..
and ROFL LMAO still at the comparision… oh jesus… hahaha… noah… bron… thats golden…
netsfan Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:00 am
I agree with bron42, the comparison of noah with lebron and melo is just stupid. it doesn’t matter where you’re picked in the draft, if you’re not getting minutes and contributing on the floor you should have a level of respect for the players in front of you that actually are. i think that was the main point of this article. And obviously championships mean something to scouts because it shows a level of poise from a player that can lead his college team to accomplish something like that, but the point was that it doesn’t translate directly to success in the NBA. Unless, you’re telling me that you would take Noah over Kevin Durant or Greg Oden this year because Noah won two championships at the college level and they didn’t.
Ronald Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:14 am
Oh please…
I agree Noah should watch his mouth most of the time, but if this post is meant as a reaction the the alleged ‘altercation’ he had with Wallace, i’m totally on Noah’s side.
As a lifelong Bulls fan, i was disgusted by the way Wallace was seen laughing and joking during that asswhipping that was referred to as an nba game. So instead of bashing Noah for showing a bit of frustration during that loss, Eddie, you should first and foremost write a post to tell Big Ben to actually start giving a crap about the current Bulls situation. He gets paid 60 million for it, and i haven’t see nany evidence this year that he does !!!
Maybe when you were a player rookies did have to shut up, great ! But you played against Jordan, so let me ask you this : Would Wallace have dared laugh like that on the bench during a loss like that when Jordan was still around. NO FUCKING WAY !! Jordan would have ripped his friggin’ heart out !
Nicoch Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:14 am
Very funny your discussion … hum … but not really interessant. Please choose another …
Vic Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:18 am
Will someone please tell Eddie Johnson to shut up. This is not a case of a rookie trying to usurp the leadership position of the veterans around him, on the contrary this is a case of a rookie with leadership ability forced into that role too early do to a lack of leadership by the veterans around him. The number one thing for a leader to do is to lead by example and while Noah’s game is not refined yet, he always hustles and plays with passion. No one on the Bulls, other that Joe Smith and Nocioni, can say that. The three “veterans” that have had problems with Noah have been Duhon, Wallace, and Griffen. Duhon, who is an average bench player on his best day. Duhon, who has made being late a career and who has on several occasions gotten into altercations with coaches. Griffen is another bench player who barely contributes normaly and is feeling a little too important now that the talent around him has fallen to a point that makes him look significant. Then there is Wallace. Wallace who has had problems with coaches everywhere he has been. Wallace who refused to be a team captain this year but now wants to be in charge. Wallace who since signing a huge contract with the Bulls is the top candidate for the “All-Time Standing Around Award”. So when Noah makes comments to the affect of don’t laugh and joke on the bench when we are down by 20 points, or that our team doesn’t hate to lose enough, it isn’t capricious youth. It is a natural leader being forced to prematurely fill a role that has been vacated by the veterans. The conflict comes from those same veterans who don’t resent the fact that a kid is telling them what to do, but the fact that that kid is right.
me2008 Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Noah is the biggest tool to walk the earth. I honestly feel he should be set on fire in front of public view. What a piece of crap.
jorel Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:48 am
Vic hit it right on the head. He may not be the best player on the team. But where is the heart from the other players? There are no leaders on that team. Deng, Hinrich, Gordon, all good solid players that should be the 3rd option on a good team, are not vocal leaders, nor are they guys that you would call passionate about winning or losing. Ben Wallace as a leader, please, this guy did what he was supposed to do on a talented team (one which allowed him to disappear for stretches of the season on offense-deetroit basketball) but is clearly overpaid, over matched, outclassed, and miscast as a team leader.
Of course Noah could learn the nuances of the game from the vets, but you cannot teach, instruct, nor coach passion, heart and drive.
The guy is honest. If vets want to quiet that, f’ em.
And duhon pretty much says, “hey he can be good, but he makes us look bad because he cares too much. This isn’t college. Stop caring. Be dishonest. Look into the camera and carry on with B.S. about this being a long season, we have to play as a team, blah, blah, blah. And calm down on the emotion, you make us look like veteran accomplished well paid players discussing Tuesday nights plans after another beating in which we quit midway through the third. Watch out for our delicate egos.”
sad1944 Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Your column was dead on. But Noah does give us a breath of fresh air. I for one am tired of watching spoiled over-paid athletes whine constantly. Why is it every NBA player has to whine that he didn’t really commit a foul? All of these players need to grow up. Not only should rookies respect vets, but vets need to respect the game.
Calvin O Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
I understand your feelings about rookies knowing their place, but this seems to me to be another example of the Bulls getting what they asked for. Just like last year’s Ben Wallace headband debacle where they sign a guy whose trademark for years has been his headband and then try to tell him that it is unacceptable and anti-team to wear it, the Bulls had to have known that Noah’s personality is that of a goofy non-stop talking guy who clowns around, wears crazy clothes, crazy hair-styles, acts up on camera, etc., etc– remember his tv interviews during the NCAA tounaments? I prefer a rookie who is being himself and passionate about winning over a bunch veterans who look like they’ve given up any day.
Liogiery Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
100% with Ronald’s comment
Bulls dont have ONE leader. This players dont haver personnality.
It’s easy to condemn a rookie, it’s more difficult to say at Wallace “HE ben, stop lazy time, play basketball”, to Hinrich “give the ball”…
Sorry Eddy, but rookie or not rookie, when you’re a winner, you can’t accept to loose by 25 and see teamates laugh. It’s IMPOSSIBLE…
craig beckerman Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
after reading everyones comments my only idea and comment is what if noah was on the celtics? where hed have the big 3 who do give a crap about the game the way its supposed to be played, not only would chicago lose its “headache” since thats what you think a player caring is, but im sure noah wouldnt mind carrying a bag or two if he actually played with professionals. eddie you had the chance to play in a truly proffesional era when players acted that way so far noah hasnt seen that and apparently he would like to, and i cant blame him for that
Kim Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
So Eddie are you saying that every rookie should be a bitch like you was!
Salva Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
Excellent post Eddie !
I totally agree that Noah has to take a step back and let the veterans (but which one ??) take the vocal lead.
It seems that Noah knows that he’s a smart guy (and he is) but his youth just don’t activates the right buttons.
I like this guy and a rookie shoud have the right to give his opinion in-house but not publicly..Noah has a big ego and thinks that respect is gained in beeing vocally involved in critical situation but respect is earned ON THE COURT !!
An advice Noah: just relax, stay cool and enjoy this rare ride !
saleem Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
I’m shocked Eddie. Normally your editorials display more depth and insight. The attitude that a rookie should have no opinion or prominence is a symptom of the rampant egotism that makes bad NBA teams bad. Pecking orders are for birds not men. Noah is “Exactly who
we thought he was!” and is refreshingly honest and passionate. Can he be annoying? Sure. But he is a champion, like it or not, and frankly he has outperformed Big Ben on the court this season. His play dictates the weight of his opinion. He’s right they shouldn’t be happy about getting run. Sorry Eddie your just plain wrong.
BRockin25 Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
No rookie should ever call out an NBA Champion for his conduct, and suggest that he doesnt know how to win.
Great article.
sonnydelite Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Just wait until Noah starts making real NBA money. Then he’ll shutup and become lazy like other NBA players who sign large contracts … they just give up!! The NBA should change their contracts by giving money on a performance / productivity basis. These guys will earn their money and not sit around the beach laughing when they are losing. I am tired of this crap. Go LAKERS!
The Truth Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I’m not so sure Eddie. I think Noah is an emotional player who talks from the heart and is doing his thing. Rookie or not his team is complete garbage this year and it is completely predicated on the attitude of his teammates and their lack of desire. If Ben Wallace played with the heart Noah has this year Wallace might look like he can still play the game. How many players on the Bulls roster won back to back championships in college? I am not saying the players have to listen to Noah or that he should be a team leader but I think letting a player like that express his emotions and give the dead bulls team some life is not exactly a bad thing. Yes he will mess up, but until someone on the bulls can get some balls and be man enough to lead the team and disipline Noah in the locker room, not by being a coward and voting that the coach discipline him I dont think the bulls will be a quality team. Think about what Michael Jordan or Larry Bird would do to a rookie speaking out? Do you think they would cry to the coach like a little girl or would they man up and show who the team leader is? Nuff said
sunsfanwhohateseddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
You know what EJ, I am really tired of listening to you. You are such a condescending A-hole. You act like you are always right, never wrong, and frankly, it’s getting really old. Your whole, I told you so act is played out. In fact, whenever I hear you on the suns broadcast, if there is a choice, I’ll turn in on some other network just cause of you. My friend works at the Wells Fargo bank that you go to in Scottsdale and McDonald and says you and your wife are arrogant. “You don’t know who I am? Why do I need to show my ID? Everyone knows who I am?” Give me a break buddy. You were a 6th man in the league and hardly what I would call a star. You’re not in the HOF, in fact you never even made an All-Star team. So do us all a favor and lose the ego. BTW, what’s wrong with a Rookie expressing his emotion on a losing team. It’s one thing if you’re on a team like the Spurs and complain about a lack of passion to win a championship when you’re rookie. But, the Bulls suck! They lack heart, they lack a low post presence, they need to play with energy to compensate, and they currently don’t do so. I don’t blame the guy for speaking out. You and Ben Wallace should lose your ego’s. Both of you are has beens!
tom Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
Chicago has several very good players, but neither of them are franchise players. Overpaying big ben and getting rid of curry and chandler are the biggest mistakes for the team. This post is a good reflection of what the team is missing right now.
KevinConnor Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
So a rookie should shut up unless his name is Lebron or Melo or Kobe?
What aload of crap.I thought everybody in the US of A was so crazy about Freedom of speech. Well I guess that doesn´t apply to most rookies in the NBA right? You´re full of crap Eddy! Just because you weren´t man enough as a rookie and got jerked around by your teammates every rookie should be treaten the same. They are simply a little bit more assertive than you Eddy! I know that hurts.
Dylan J Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Who else is gonna speak up on this squad?? It’s not like Noah does it out of disrespect. I love ya, Eddie but The kid’s got more heart than many vets his squad.
**** +1 BEN WALLACE IS A TOTAL CLOWN ****
As a *former* fan of BIG BENEDICT from his days as a Piston, I’m LAUGHIN’ AT those CHI-town fans who thought they pulled off such a coup when the Bulls landed him. (no disrespect to more fair-minded Bulls fans) Stuck on the bench of a LOOSING TEAM, Ben? Thanks what we like to call “KARMA” my friend!
Joris Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
Sure, some people are mature enough for not being educated by guys like Ben Wallace who doesn’t seem really smart.
More than that : while I think the guy cared once upon a time the fact is since its big contract he doesn’t give a crap, especially this year so Noah has every right too shake him.
And by the way what are we talking about ? Do we know what has been exactly said ?
SiC Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Better yet, trade Noah. I’ll bet he’d be happy to get out. Keep Big Ole’ Ben in, I’m sure the rest of the league is enjoying this after the Jordan era. Big props to Big Ben. Raking in the cash, firing a coach, and putting a rook in his place.
Eric Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
I think that Ben Wallace needs to start acting like a leader on court, not just off court. Right now Noah is thye only one busting his ass out there on the court, and the team suspends him. nice. I see the Bulls are going far this year.
pj Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
eddie,
i usually enjoy reading your entries, but you are so incredibly wrong on this one it’s pathetic. I’ve been a die hard bulls fan my whole life, so this is coming from somebody who watches every game and reads every article there is about them. This team is so lazy and has no passion, and Joakim, like this entire city, is sick of it. So while Joakim Noah should not have lashed out at a coach, he did it because the veterans are not being veterans. They are not leading by example, because they aren’t playing like they have a chip on their shoulder like they did before. Joakim just wants people to care, and NOT laugh on the bench with another veteran when your down by 20. You cannot possibly say Ben Wallace is justified as he has been the laziest, waste of money, controversy starting person this whole year for us. I mean I’m dissapointed with this one Eddie, just because you were a veteran and treated rookies like rookies does not mean Joakim is automaticly wrong because he’s a rook. He just wants to win and for us to play with passion, and not just accept losing and laugh about it.
BullsNut Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Eddie you should shut up. All you are good at is sounding like a moron. This is not so bad for the Bulls. The Bulls need a little trouble on the squad. Again you should shut up.
Junior Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
this dude Noah is a fuckin clown
BullsNut Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Hey Sic:
Don’t you wish you could have enjoyed the Jordan era??
Petro Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
I think the Bulls have plenty of “trouble” on this team. They don’t need another mouth; especially from a rookie!
That’s insane!
Brian Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
This is ridiculous. How can Noah NOT be compared to Melo and Lebron? Skill level has nothing to do with carrying players things and getting them donuts. Noah won TWO national championships and would’ve been a #1 overall pick if he came out last year. Is he as talented as Melo and Lebron? Of course not. But that isn’t what the original poster was saying, so shut up and stick to the subject.
The league is run by young players right now, and I agree with (almost) everything Noah has done. Anyone who actually watches Bulls games know that Ben Wallace is playing like he has cement in shoes. The guy is slow and an offensive liability. His poor play on Dwight Howard led to the Bulls getting blown out. The guy is overpaid, but he is unfortunately stuck on the Bulls.
Noah has every right to call out “Big” Ben in the locker room. Noah has every right to be upset about the Bulls record. Noah has every right to speak out to reporters about whatever he wants. No one else on the Bulls does it.
I promise you this… if the Bulls turn it around, it will be because of Noah’s heart and energy on the court, not his ability to stay quiet and get the newspaper for the vets.
Rashidi Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
So if Noah is calling out Ben Wallace for not being the veteran leader you claim him to be, he should not say anything because he’s a rookie?
What kind of conformist BS is that?
“Eddie, do you know everything?” I said, “No, Scott. You just know nothing!”
You seem to have this conversation with a lot more than NBA rookies… Come on Edward people are bashing you before I even got here.
will Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
jokim noah would get whomped it a fight with big ben
noah does deserve more minutes, and should respect the veterans
but i dont see anyone else talking on their team, and will they make a trade already, how bout ben wallace15mil,& b.gordon say 10mil, , &, for vince carter16mil&j.mcgloire7mil
bulls get a tall shooting guard, a ticket seller, a maybe 3more year at least allstar, get rid of ben wallaces contract, and i guess draft roy hibbert,koufos,thabeet, or somebody
g-hinrich g-duhon
g-v.carter
f-deng f-nocioni
f-j.smith f-t.thomas
c-noah c-hibbert
and hey eddie what is houston going to do
when are they going to get rid of one or 2, of their pgs
and how come tmac&yao dont really paow
Lee Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Why should Noah shut up. If the team is loosing, let Noah put his money where his mouth is. Ben Wallace is a great ball player, but he”s not a superstar. He “s proven that he can make a mistake. Like leaving Detoit. Let the young man go to work they are loosing now.
I love Ben Wallce , but let face it Noah is the new face of the franchise.
saleem Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
I’m shocked Eddie. Normally your editorials display more depth and insight. The attitude that a rookie should have no opinion or prominence is a symptom of the rampant egotism that makes bad NBA teams bad. Pecking orders are for birds not men. Noah is “Exactly who
we thought he was!” and is refreshingly honest and passionate. Can he be annoying? Sure. But he is a champion, like it or not, and frankly he has outperformed Big Ben on the court this season. His play dictates the weight of his opinion. He’s right they shouldn’t be happy about getting run. Sorry Eddie you’re just plain wrong.
Olyve Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Please Eddie, I’ve always thought what u were saying was right, but man, u can’t talk about respect while u r writting such papers. Noah might be a rook, he still deserves respect… And not sure ur friend Scott appreciated. U are older than those players, so if if i follow ur idea, u should know more about life than they do. But again, your rookie silence hasn’t teached u to respect people: “Oh and yeah, please shut up.” Who the hell u think u are??
So please keep being interesting and stop blaming people just to have something to write and make react, be instructive…
Thx anyway
anthony Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:28 pm
I agree with you Eddie. Noah should keep his mouth shut. But it is not for me or you to say. The team leader should straighten his ass out.
I think Noah flapping his jaw is more telling of the lack of leadership on that team. I believe a true leader would have ran his butt off the court and expect the coach to fully support that.
A rookie calling out veterans only destroys team chemistry. This guy is a bad element for the team. The sad thing is he doesn’t know any better. He is just a goofy kid that’s probably been spoiled most of his young adult life and knows nothing about respect.
I agree with your old school ways that a rookie should have his place.
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
it is funny how you guys are telling me to shut up! lol
sometimes i think some of you people cant read or better yet comprehend what i am saying.
the ability to speak your mind in a new setting is earned not taken.
Some of you guys that are yapping now would never go into your workplace and talk loud over your upper management and become a spokesman as soon as you are hired.
The Bulls know how to win because they have done just that.
Michael Bennett—Noah winning an NCAA champioship means jack at this level and if you want to get technical—-he was the fourth best player on his team. don’t ever compare a hustle guy with the skill set of Lebron or Melo—what are you smoking? lol.
let me get you wanna be NBA players in on something else——they still do haze rookies in our league and it has never stopped.—–don’t think the newspapers tell you everything because thats what you depend on and of course yours truly.
what it takes is them being shut up early and the mistake the Bulls veterans made and it goes for some other teams is they didnt jump him earlier.
some of you sillies took that as me ripping on Noah——im trying to help the young man because if he does not shut his trap and just learn how to go shoot a jumper he will be out the league in 4 years.
why? because he is one knee injury away from being non existent with no offensive skills.
why did Chris Webber and Danny Manning last long after devastating knee injuries? they could offer offense.
So i say again ——SHUT UP —— and listen to your coaches and don’t argue with them and SHUT UP——and seek out and listen to your veterans and learn how to play the NBA game—–thats for you Michael Bennett..
This is not college and again it means nothing at this level—–this is a league of what have you done for me lately not what you did before.
Last i checked the only thing Noah has done is run his mouth.
for the guy who said i was weak to give into veterans—–no numbskull—-i was smart—-i learned something and lasted 17 years—go check how many lasted longer. lol
anthony Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
I’ve read some of the comments and I am surprised how some sensitive some ppl are.
Obviously political correctness has taken away their manhood. Anyone who has played team sports knows their needs to be a pecking order to maintain unity and define leadership. Knock the guy down if he gets in your face, this is a mans game.
I’m sure the media loves the antics of Noah, but it makes his teamates look foolish and takes away from the authority of the coach.
Noah won a championship in the NBA, but he isn’t even an average rookie.
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:52 pm
kim
you forgot to put smart in front of B. Sorry if i hurt your wanna be Noahs Girlfriend feelings! make sure you forward this to him so he might get you a ticket for a preseason game next year. lol
SiC Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
This has been a pretty good read!
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Olyve
He has gotten respect man—what are you talking about? he was drafted and is being paid well to develop his basketball game——–NOT HIS MOUTH! Rookies must earn respect it is not given. What job have you been employed where a guy comes in and starts talking and challenging upper management and employees the first three months.
WAKE UP PEOPLE—–basketball is not fantasy, its a business at the NBA level. Stop thinking it is. be thankful you have me to give you some insight.
By the way, KIM you really hurt my feelings. i have never been called that word. lol
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Rashidi
I only tell you that because you write thirty paragraphs to get your point across.
you finally wrote something short enough for me to read without falling asleep.
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
i would imagine none of you guys own your own company and if you do please tell me that new employees are not allowed to come in and start telling your experienced workers what to do and cursing out upper management! when they only have 3 moths experience at that level.
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
months
eddie Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
sunsfanwhohateseddie
Wow! tell your friend who works at the bank to say hi next time. i thought i heard someone turn off the telecast last week was that you?
seriously, let your friend know that he or she might have caught me on a day i was in a hurry and to not take it personal. i am truly a fun loving personable guy.
i would also like to meet you and give you a handshake or hug because you sincerely have the wrong impression of me. finally confidence sometimes can be mistaken for arrogance.
i hope you had a wonderful holiday season SUNS FAN! next time you are at a game come say hi and get to know me and not voice your opinion on what someone else says. ok (-:
now back to basketball. you forgot to say i still played a wonderful 17 years with no athletic ability with your other stuff. (-:
Breiz Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Eddie, about your analogy with Business and owning a company.
If I was the owner of a company that was failing at its principal objective (in our case, winning games..) the way the Bulls are, I am not sure that I would mind a newbie coming in and not being happy because his “seniors” are not doing the part the company hired them for !
You are correct that this would be “allowed” only in extreme situations … maybe the Bulls are not that far away from needing a Rook “f..ing” up things a little…
True though that : Noah - most likely - shut up and try to learn what you can basketball wise from those guys ..
Vomitgod Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Hey Eddie….
Is it possible that you don’t really know what happened in the locker room? Where you there? Seriously…maybe you should know all the facts before you tell somebody to shut-up.
I’m a life-long Bulls fan (yeah…even through the Ron Mercer era) and watch every game. One thing the Bulls have lacked the past few years is flare. This is not only part of Noah’s personality, but his game. Do you suggest we mute him and possibly crush his spirit? Then he would really be usless. He’s not the best player, but he makes up for it with passion and hustle. Can you imagine working your ass off,getting killed and looking over on the bench and see a 60 million dollar player laughing? It’s about time somebody called out Wallace.
…and Eddie, I’m pretty sure you would kick my ass all over the court but I haven’t seen someone use so many “lol”s and NOT be a teenage girl.
Calvin O Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
Ben Wallace is averaging 8.8 rebounds a game, 4.5 points, and shooting 33% from the field. If you are going to say Noah’s 2 college championships don’t mean jack right now, then I’m going to say that Wallace’s one NBA championship when he was on a great team with 4 other very good starters is past history too. The point is he is being paid 14 million THIS year and hasn’t lived up to expectations and isn’t even the equal of the guy he replaced, Tyson Chandler. That’s the real problem.
Joahkim shut up and play Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
You are exremly correct. although Noah can play ball, He has not earned his right to speak. Shut up play, make your money, go home!!!
pj Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
Eddie,
After reading some of your repsonses, I have one issue about your arguments. You keep comparing the NBA to a job at an office. No disrespect my man, cause you were in the league a lot longer then I’ll ever be, but you cannot seriously directly compare a normal workplace and the NBA. Yeah it’s the same idea, go out, work hard, do well, earn more money based on good performance. Like I said before, I watch every single Bulls game, and I have no problem with you saying Joakim is a rookie and he needs to know his place. The fact of the matter is that the veterans are not doing what is necesary to turn around. Noah deserved his suspension and the team extending it, you don’t act off to your coach (or assistant coach) like that, just like in the real world, you don’t act off to your boss. BUT YOU CANNOT SAY BEN WALLACE IS RIGHT IN ALL THIS. He is the biggest joke of this franchise. He is overpaid and caused controvery right from the start, making a huge deal over a headband. Notice he did not even want to be a captain this year, in the meeting where Skiles said raise your hand if you want to be captain, HE DIDN’T. So for him to act like a leader after not wanting the responsibility says something about the man. He is going off blaming others, while playing terrible basketball and disrupting the game. On offense he takes terrible shots that everyone knows he can’t make, and on defense he has cement shoes. All I ask is that you say Joakim is wrong in acting off to the vets, but Ben Wallace is a cancer to this team, and has not been justified in saying jack about Noah or anything, because he has not done anything in his career, other then be told don’t ever shoot, just rebound on a championship team. His weaknesses are blatent, both on the court and off…give the rook a lil credit, or at least take it away from ben
Kevin Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
Hey now,
Every piston player will tell you that Ben Wallace was their anchor on that defensive minded and disciplined championship team.. he offered more than just hustle.. he shut down every big man on the opposing team period. His stats were nuts for a guy completely dependent on defense. Watching him intimidate and torture teams with his inside presence was worth every penny he earned then.
What did Noah do for his Gators? Offer energy… just soak in rebounds and pitty points from a very talented and smart team? I’d be scared of him and his ugly mug too if he yelled at me though.
Even today you can’t compare Noah to Wallace.. you can’t compare Noah to any decent player in the NBA.
Gator fans please hop off Noah’s testicles.
Paul Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
Eddie, grow up. Never have I heard such ignorance from an NBA columnist, if you can even call yourself one. Part of the reason the Bulls drafted Noah was because of his outgoing personality. It sure as hell wasn’t because he’s an inside scorer (he’s not).Noah should respect Ben Wallace? The same Ben Wallace who can’t even average 8 boards a game despite making $15 million per year? I’ll leave his offensive game alone, as we all know how bad THAT is. You sure make A LOT of sense Eddie.
Rashidi Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
LMAO Eddie RAGED
There is a difference between criticizing upper management and criticizing your peers.
Don’t think for a minute that Joakim Noah is on the same peer level as a rookie like JamesOn Curry (recently arrested for peeing in public).
Noah is an expressive guy who wants to win. He sees a veteran living off his reputation joking around on the bench. Make no mistake, Ben Wallace’s play this year is the main reason the Bulls have a poor record. The Bulls are playing 4 on 5 on offense, hell, maybe 3 on 5 because Wallace’s offense has been that bad. A big averaging 4 points in 32 minutes, shooting 33% from the field is flat out PATHETIC.
Ben Wallace’s FG% is 14 points lower than his FT%. Considering the dude is a 41% FT shooter for his career, when did anyone ever expect that to happen? Embarrassing, putrid, I can’t really find a word strong enough to describe it. Grotesque? And that’s before we even mention Ben is making 15.5 million dollars this year.
Noah is averaging as many points as Wallace. IN 20 FEWER MINUTES.
The Bulls are LAST in the league in FG%, thanks very much in part to Wallace. They are 23rd in the league in scoring. If Wallace is no longer getting it done on defense the way he used to, and no longer cares about the team’s success, it’s time for a change.
Wallace got a lot of credit in Detroit but the fact is, he was playing with other veterans who have managed to keep winning without him, while Ben has gone to another team and not improved it on the court or in the lockerroom.
Steve Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
So Eddie, you’re saying because Noah is a rookie he shouldn’t be able to show passion, speak his opinion, and get into Ben Wallace’s face? I’d rather have Noah’s passion then Ben Wallace’s career perpetual puerile behavior. Paxson should tell Ben to go home and wait by the phone and give his minutes to the “Rookie.”
Manila Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
Hi eddie,
I just want to say that I do not agree with your post, I am in a management post, and I also have my own business. If I have an overpaid manager, in the bull’s case Big Ben, and my business is doing a 180 from last year’s performance, I wouldn’t mind a lowly employee (Noah) from voicing his disgust. As top management, it will not look good if I directly confront my manager, so we’ll wait how Ben reacts.
I don’t care anymore about your past stardom once you accept my job offer, the job description is clear, I’m overpaying for clearly less results, and it disrespects me more when you think it’s ok to laugh in view of your office office mates.
BullsNut Said,
January 17, 2008 @ 11:54 pm
Man Eddie you are so full of yourself. I’m sickened by your messages. I think the only people that have a problem with Noah is the media and non-bulls fans.
Liogiery Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:04 am
If Bulls were a company, today, it will be a company where experienced workers stay all day long at the coffee machine, laughting while the company lost and lost and lost $$
But NBA is not just a buisness. It’s SPORT (do you remember what is it?)
The problem with a lot of experiments NBA players, they dont remember that. They play like they’re going to the factory. Without heart, passion… all emotions that do sport.
(sorry for my english)
djhott Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:47 am
im sure kobe wanted to talk as a rookie, but didnt
and if i was disrespected by a rookie and i was a aging veteran on the hot seat, I would take that as motivation and school the rookie and improve my game and stats for myself and my team. but as for is altercation with the assistant coach, unless he was saying im 7ft and energetic, give me some minutes. then he should be quite.
yea wannabe nba players, lol, eddie that hurt, lmao
the bulls just needed something to start up real trade talk, noah is used to winning, and probably is getting pumped up anyway he can with the losing, not enough minutes, and playing with a undersized 2pt scorer who makes 15mil and 8 or 9 boards, and is jealous knowing, that he is a injury away from being,garbage,and even if not with gms, seeing all the overpaid bigs, he may never get a 15mil contract. but i still see if he listens,more than he talks, stays healthy, and gets minutes, he could be a poor mans tyson chandler, or better than pj brown. but thats if he plays all his cards right. but who on the bulls statistically, vocally, could say anything to noah. they need to step their game up, before they get shiped in a trade, and id love to play in chicago. jokim just wants a promotion to fast, and the manager(coach) just got fired. and the vets-(gordon,hinrich,wallace,thomas), seemed to not came back from their vacation(offseason).So slacking employees, and promoted supervisors, need to all work together in a professional way.
sunsfanwhohateseddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:56 am
Please Eddie that was weak, almost like your game. That friend also said you ALWAYS do that when you come in with your white escalade and that everyone at the bank can’t stand when you folks come in, unlike say other celebrities for example, George Benson.
“i thought i heard someone turn off the telecast last week was that you?”
What a response, I guess I can tell all that tutoring you received at Illinois paid off.
Give me a break Eddie, you’re an arrogant prick and I’m betting I’m not the first to tell you. I met you before and I can’t stand your smug.
Back to basketball, judging by your post, what a typical former athlete response! Typical condescending attitude..”you wanna be NBA players”. I can’t stand when former athletes give that response with no substance. We get it, you played in the NBA, you’re almost like the Michael Irvin or Keyshawn Johnson without all the yelling. What are they without the yelling…idiots with a mic. Why don’t you offer some solid insight. Maybe you can ask you’re current boss Steve Kerr. He was great at it and didn’t use the typical…”well marv you don’t understand how hard it is cause you never played but you always listen to your elders”. WEAK!
And Eddie, yes new employees wouldn’t go into a situation and start telling people WHAT to do, especially if they are new. But, employees are expected to speak their mind if they see something wrong. This isn’t socialist society, we should be able to speak our mind. There is nothing wrong, in fact most companies bring in fresh blood through recent college graduates to change things up in the workplace and to bring energy to the workforce. I hope you see where I am getting?? Maybe you’re still stuck in the 1950’s where young rookies are like women and are below dirt.
Yes Noah should work on his game and get stronger, but complaining about a lack of passion and getting in the face of an overpaid, underachieving, overrated vet should not be criticized.
djhott Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 2:07 am
and the warriors have loud veterans. i here they are offering
g-m.ellis,m.pietrus,b.wright,pick for zack randolph,nate robinson
me being a gs state fan, i would do that in a minute, and zack being a greedy but skilled new employee, i would command he learn what a team is, and only plays in the post, and watch them excede, because that would be the perfect team for z.randolph. if you a on the right team, then you can play alot better, but players are not always put on their perfect team.
and could u imagine gs, they could go any lineup
g-b.davis g-bellini-g.payton
g-n.robinson g-azubeke
f-s.jack f-m.barnes
f-z.randolph f-harrington 30mpg
c-biedris
nate would shine in oakland also
bulls will probably make more bad management moves and suck for the next 5 years
saleem Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:23 am
I don’t thing that the “eddie” responding in the comments is actually
Eddie. If it is, then he seems to have lost his ability to punctuate, capitalize, and write coherent sentences. If not it’s probably some 15yr old who has finally discovered that on the internet no one can tell your a dork. They can only strongly suspect it.
DPGC Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:30 am
@ sunsfanwhohateseddie , you’re gay dude, don’t you understand it’s a man’s league and there’s hierarchy there? You probably never played any team sports, because if you did you would know that every team has it’s leaders and no first year player can fuck around with them. It’s like being in the army, you gotta earn your stripes. Noah is a spoiled kid and he really needs to shut the fuck up, I haven’t seen a rookie that gets on people’s nerves as much as him in a long time. I’m with Eddie 100%
Julien Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:37 am
I read words like “respect”, “paying your dues”…
Don’t you think that the first persons players should show “respect” and “pay their dues” first to the people who contribute to pay their salary, like the public?
Don’t you think that “respecting” the public, “paying your dues” to him, starts with playing hard, giving everything you have?
Do you really think that Wallace is doing that? Shall I remind you his salary, and his stats this year?
Oh and yeah, please shut up. You just confirm that NBA players are paid for their game, not their brains.
Whatever! Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:41 am
Put it on record that Eddie Jordan supports hazing in the NBA. A rookie should be able to call out his teammates—especially those making $15MM a year to pull down 5 points and 5 rebounds a game.
Joris Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:43 am
Above I tested if the blogger’s name was linked with his e-mail but it’s not the case so anybody can post with the name eddie but imho it was him above saleem.
Eddie, sometimes your articles are good but in them or the comments following you’re always like “I’m better than everybody” so what’s the point of letting people comment ?
You want only the eddie is a god stuff ?
Open your eyes man, do you see these types of comments on somebody else blog ?
Hell no, I’d be you I’d think about myself and the megalomaniac thing but before you say it I’ll say it : “I’m not you, not an ex NBA player so I can shut the fuck up”.
Joris Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:47 am
Hu right…
Before my 4:43am comment I posted a test message which was actually displayed but when I posted my 4:43am comment the test message has disappeared so I don’t know if you can use the same name with a different e-mail.
BRITTNEY SPEARS/LOHAN Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:59 am
HEY EDDIE FOR YOUR RUDE COMMENTS, I AM PERSONALLY GOING TO BOOTLEG 5000 COPIES OF YOUR SHOTCLUB DVD, SINCE IM NOT IN THE NBA AND ALL, OR OWN MY OWN BUSINESS
HEY EDDIE HOW BOUT U DONATE YOUR SHOTCLUB TAPE TO CHRIS DUHON.
I WILL SELL THE TAPES FOR$10, BUT CAN YOU AUTOGRAPH A FEW FOR ME?
Juan Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 5:16 am
well, i guess things have changed and now rookies have more power. anyway, Noah a.k.a “my fridge is always full” will end up in 5 years playing pro basketball in old Europe. Not an NBA type player and has a big mouth.
Thomas Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 5:44 am
Ah C’mon Eddie,
i hate these silly, “you know back in the day” and “when i was a rook” talking.
maybe its a strange comparison, but back in the days the blacks were distracted because they were, uhm, black. Should it be still that way today?? Or is the History not a Way to learn from Mistakes and Adjust!!
Same with the NBa, i mean C#mon, how many Nba Players can be called Serious?? Most of them are silly, dumb-ass bitches who care bout money, shots and maybe bitches. And if there’S Someone like Noah or Bogut who really got something to say and can talk properly besides the “we played well” Nba approved Phrase catalogue, why the Hell they shouldn’t????
Yeah i know, because its always been this way, yeah rite! But thats really stupid…
Paul Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Eddie, the last time I checked, the last time Ben Wallace grabbed more than 7 boards was when he was re-doing his kitchen. “What have you done for me lately?” Please elaborate on what Ben Wallace has done for the Bulls lately. No one gives a fuck how long you played in the NBA man. We get it, you played in the NBA! Every single column you write is based upon that. You think Joakim is mouthy? Do you ever proof read your columns? At least he’s out there playing. Ben Wallace was signed by the Bulls based on his years of service to the Pistons, not on what he was going to do for them. He was 31 when he signed that contract. A 6′9 C with virtually no offensive game. How much upside did he possibly have left? Joakim Noah wants to win, Ben Wallace wants to get paid and live off his rep. There’s a reason Detroit is even better now than when they had Big Ben.
manou Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 8:57 am
I don’t agree with this article.
Was Noah wrong for biching at the coach? HELL YES!
Was Noah wrong for bitching at bigBen laughing on the bench? HELL NO!!!
Fredd Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Hi Eddie …
First I respect you, and still have a poster of the Charlotte Hornets ( L.J, Zo, Hersey, Mugsy and You ) on my former bedroom’s wall.
BUT … I am not agree with you … it’s not that I am french … but I think, when the best paid player and veteran on your team is struggling ( as a player ) … you have to wait from him to be humble, and go by to work to show the direction to the teamates and more over, to the Rookies …
Noah is not a rookie like the others, He is a champion … you have to know … in France, … when he’s father was the trainer of the national tennis team, ( they won Davis cup more than one time ) … Journalists interviewed this lil’ boy, ” Joakim ” … he was a child, .. but man, … he ‘d talked like a real connaiseur of sport and competition … man, He was saying ” oh … in fact, I’m in love with basketball more than with tennis … etc ”
He already had AURA around his words …
He’s one of the best future competitor in Sport. ( as he shown it in NCAA ).
So … Noah doesn’t blame teamates for their ” too much money / not much contribution ” contracts … but for their ATTITUDES …
Yes it is a shame that it’s a rookie who have to show how to behave like a champion to the veterans.
Joakim knows what is Sport Ethic … don’t blame him … cos’ soon, you know that you were wrong about him you don’t have to tell him ” to shut up ” he knows when to shut up, when to p lay, when to work … but he brings in is Heart … no like many players who just bring hype no more.
I can’t wait to read another article from you Eddie …
pop Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Eddie Johnson please shut up.
Michael Bennett Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 9:52 am
Eddie — First, I didn’t EVER say “shut up” to you (even though that’s the motif of your article). I want you to write and voice your opinion forever about the game. I thought I took an intelligent angle and supported it well. You just always lose the argument with me — lol.
Second, the NBA is not just a business like any other. It’s different. It’s not a small business in Scottsdale (which I DID run at one point — I know how new employees SHOULD act… at the small business level). It’s sports entertainment that’s filled with personalities. It’s similar to movies and music in that respect. So, you have a big personalities like Noah, who was known years before he stepped foot on an NBA floor, whether it’s from his famous father or his NCAA championships. Either way, he’s already a name. So, yes, he can and does get away with more at the pro level.
Third, Eddie, I saw you at the bank, too. And, man, you were yelling at employees “Do you know who I am?!?!” and “I’m Eddie Johnson, b$^@h!!!” lol
BullsNut Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 9:58 am
sunsfanwhohateseddie
Well put to the above poster.
Eddie must hate the truth, and probably struggles to accept his C- stature. Eddie is the kind of guy that thinks life is all about money and power. None of those things will change the way others feel about you. Tivo that and put it on repeat.
Dan'l Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Bingo…. Noah is a vastly over-hyped one-way player… he’s great at the college level because he was a piece of a TEAM. Now he’s just an average player with a lot of energy who will never average 12 pts a game.
He needs to be seen not heard
Arthur Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:09 am
First of all, Noah is a joke. The fact that he went in the lottery is testament to how little most GMs actually know about basketball. If you cannot dribble or shoot, you should not be a lottery pick. The evidence of that is everywhere (Stromile Swift, Tyrus Thomas to name a couple, there are dozens).
A proven winner? He was the third best player on his college team! Ha, Ha. To those who say rookie hazing should not be done…you have clearly never been part of a team. The ONLY WAY a team works is if most are willing to be subservient in some capacity to the leader. The two biggest issues with the NBA today are 1) Lack of fundamentals (19 foot jumper, bounce pass) and 2) a serious lack of work ethic amongst younger players to actually get better. This idea that Noah should do anything but learn how to shoot better than my Grandma is asinine. Shut up you spoiled little girl.
Arthur Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:11 am
And by the way…I feel Ben Wallace is the MOST OVERRATED PLAYER in the NBA. So dont get my point twisted…I can’t stand Ben Wallace. But unlike Noah..he is a legit NBA player (or at least was a couple of years ago).
Melvin Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:14 am
very irritated to him huh!!
anthony Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:47 am
I’m not a Bulls fan.
But if they don’t mind some goofy spoiled rookie making there team look like a circus act. why should i mind?
it highlights the teams lack of leadership, takes away from the coaches authority, and
i think most would agree that he won’t be anything more than an average player. sure he won championships in the ncaa, but it seems like he got more publicity for being a spaz than his outstanding play. what does he know about a long grueling season on a second tier team.
REMEMBER - HE NEEDS TO BACK UP WHAT HE SAYS. IS HE GONNA BE LEAD THE BULLS TO VICTORY?
further demise of the bulls if this guy is stepping into a leadership position.
bran Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Eddie this guy hasnt shut up since he was born, he thinks he is king becuz his mother was a famous tennis player and his father was somehow famous to so hes above everyone else the way he thinks of it, then the two championships at florida they wouldnt have won without al or taurean green, now hes kinnng shit. this guy will never shut up, hes always going to think he is right. but truth is, he fuckin sucks. i havent seen him play good all yr, his team was right to give him an extra game, hes a an imature kid who thinks he is man enuff for anything. ben wallace was about to show him what a man is, Hopfully that will shut his ass up, thank you eddie
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 11:23 am
i am amazed at how mean some of you bloggers get. Sunsfan tell that bank if they don’t like me to give me my money and i will go put it somewhere else.lol
look i will explain again what i meant because some of you people can’t read and understand at the same time.
i am not comparing Noah to Ben and if some of you silly responders read my past articles i said the Bulls should not have signed Ben.
The Bulls do need a leader, i listed them as one the leaderless teams in an article about a month ago.
Noah is not the one. He can’t lead because he has no history at this level to lead and right now he is having a hard time playing on a consistent basis to lead anyone.
For those of you that have a hard time with me referring back to my past experiences, well i suggest when you go look for a job, take a blank resume and see if you get the job. what a dumb remark. lol
I like Noah, i just don’t like his yapping and for all you bloggers that disagree just watch in 4 years where he will be if he keeps yapping.
go yapp for 14 rebounds and an improved jumpshot—one blogger said the Bulls drafted him for his personality, are you kidding me?
these are the people that are trying to debate me, you are making my life too easy.
finally if you are like Sunsfan and can’t understand the method to my madness when i argue then don’t read my articles. please im begging you—go read the enquirer or something lol.
or better yet sunsfan meet me at the bank on the 28th at 10 am and we will take a straw poll about who likes me in the bank where i park my hard earned cash. i want you guys and Kim to know that i enjoy every response and unlike most blogs i read and respond.
face facts you all love me. and yes finally i played 17 years in the NBA! lol
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 11:28 am
stop worrying who eddie is because it is eddie.
Cornelius Turner Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 11:31 am
Normally I think Eddie is one of the best evaluators of goings on in the NBA there is. I mean, he is dead on 95% of the time. But on this issue, I just don’t know how much of this is accurate. Noah is used to winning and sharing. Of all people, how can Noah respect a player (Ben Wallace) who couldn’t follow simple team rules, who quit on his coach, who has refused to enter games (see Detroit years), and who has fought with the last 4 coaches (Larry Brown, Rick Carlisle, Flip Saunders, and Scott Skiles) in some form or fashion? Not to mention, the flap happened after Ben was laughing on the bench while the Bulls were getting blown out. So I actually applaud Noah stepping up and trying to be a leader. Ben Wallace has never been nor will he ever be a leader in any locker room. Of all people to respect, his track record screams that has not respected authority himself. Championship or not!
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 11:49 am
Breiz
Here is the problem with your example and it is a big one. We are not talking about Magic Johnson, LeBron James or Isiah Thomas. We are talking about a player who only takes shots in the paint but shoots 45 percent.
You earn the right to lead and he has not earned that right. I will say this though, if he wants to lead he is going about it the wrong way.
this is what he should do and if i see him on Sunday (27TH) when i call the game between the Suns and Bulls i will tell him this.
lead by being the first one at practice and the last to leave
lead by asking veterans like Ben Gordon to shoot with you so you can get better.
lead by asking questions and listening hard.
lead by working hard every second you are on the floor(which he does)
only then will they respect your opinion and outbursts. —— until then
SHUT-UP
Rashidi Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 11:51 am
“Noah is not the one. He can’t lead because he has no history at this level to lead and right now he is having a hard time playing on a consistent basis to lead anyone.”
So I guess Magic Johnson wasn’t leading his team as a rookie? Or Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, etc.
Noah’s playing time has a lot more to do with Ben Wallace’s salary than it does Noah’s effectiveness on the court.
But then again, aren’t most lockerroom leaders the guys that don’t even step on the court too often?
There are guys like Malik Rose, who will take players under his wing. And then there are guys like Clifford Robinson who are 17 year vets and getting suspended for playoff games due to marijuana use.
Tenure has little to do with leadership, that’s an innate personality trait. Noah is an expressive guy and expects more from his teammates. That will likely never change. Just like J.R. Rider was a problem his entire career, Dennis Rodman was a weirdo, Bill Laimbeer was a con artist, Stephon Marbury self-centered, etc.
Occasionally you’ll have an immature guy like Lamar Odom put it together but for the most part the brain you walk in with is the brain you walk out with.
Jimmious Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
I don’t even care about Noah, I’m just happy to see Eddie blogging!
One of my favorite players of all time!
Dimitris from Greece, Olympiakos fan!
GO EDDIE!!!
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Rashidi
All due respect, but did you just compare Noah to Magic, Chris Paul and Air? please tell me you did not?
I am going to be nice because i think you might be drinking lol.
THOSE PLAYERS PLAYED BIG MINUTES AND WERE THE REASON THEIR TEAMS WERE SUCCESSFUL!
They took leadership right away because they were and are great players.
We are talking about Joakim Noah, a 45 percent shooter who gets 99 percent of his shots in the paint.
he is having a hard time leading himself.
WAKE -UP! You really make me laugh! By the way Rodman and Laimbeer were excellent leaders!
Rodman bust his butt every night and Laimbeer did the same.
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Michael Bennett
I forgot to tell you to write Steve Nash and tell him rookie hazing is over because i saw the Suns Rookies dancing and singing school fight songs in a crowded restaurant during training camp———-what would you guys do if you didnt have ej for the inside scoop.
oh and yea for the ones who hate me to say this——-i played 17 years lol.
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
Rashidi
yes, some leaders are the ones that don’t step on the floor and none of them are rookies sir! you are so easy–why do you leave yourself open so much man?
You just validated my article in reverse—thank you lol
sunsfanwhohateseddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
hahaha proof Eddie from Michael Bennett
“Do you know who I am?!?!” and “I’m Eddie Johnson, b$^@h!!!”
Well I would actually take you up on that offer to meet you at the bank to pull straws on the 28th. Let’s see how many tellers and managers care about how much money you have in the bank? You think they have a vested interest in your servces??? Yes, the bank does and some bankers, but the rest of the workers…they hate your guts. That’s a fact.
Anyways, I finally agree with one of your arguments of how to lead, by leading by example…totally agree. But he got in the face of a vet who wasn’t playing with any passion whatsoever. Proof? Check when was the last time Wallace had a big rebounding game. Last I checked Noah is all passion and plays a 100% all the time. Does that not warrant him from asking more effort from his team? There is nothing wrong with that. If he was late to meetings, wanted more shots, or complained about the coaching, I would say yes he should shut up. I also condemn a rookie getting in the face of a coach, but if it was vented frustration about the teams fire, then I would say that’s an exemption for the better good of the team…especially a 15-22 team. Why should rookies just shut up?
I’ll make a bet with you Noah is in the league somewhere 4 years from now. I bet you said the same thing about Tyson Chandler. Face it, big men in this league is a commodity, especially if you are a 7′0 mobile big man that can defend and rebound. Not indicating he will be a superstar but he’ll have a job as long as he sticks to what got him success in college, defense and rebounding. The Suns could use a guy like him, especially if it could light some fire under his french buddy diaw.
I think in Noah’s case he’s probably one of those misunderstood guys who you think is arrogant but, in reality the guy is just an ultra competitive person, as evidenced by Al Horfords comments on the situation.
jay Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
i’ve known joakim for maybe 7 years now. i wouldn’t say im good friends with him who knows if he remembers me or not. but we played a lot of basketball together while i was in high school.. im 22 now. knowing joakim he just wants to win. he has that attitude that is always intense because he hates to be wrong or lose. he was always screaming as forms of motivation, it especially helped out our team. he may be looked at differently because he is more mad at himself but the players may be taking it differently . another thing is, knowing him for a while, i was shocked to even heard he was going to florida, then MOP, then 9th pick in the NBA; he’s not that good at all. but he’s just that person who helps out the team in an emotional way. wallace probably told him to shut up and joakim took it the wrong way.
Eddie Sharpe Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
If people would just focus on the things said as opposed to whom it is coming from or that individual’s status, our plight (the Bulls Team) might begin to make its self clear.
The things that Joakim said were in essence, leadership (laughing on the bench while getting blown out), working hard (hustling on all plays giving full effort at all times). Those are things that have to be said to a struggling team, family, or community…the fact that it came from a rookie say’s more about who’s not leading than it does about who’s speaking out of turn.
The content of words is more important than the author. People who focus on the who instead of the What are agents of destruction and must be eliminated.
Even the Bible say’s…” A little child shall lead them”. I guess the people who are opposed to being lead by a child will refuse to be lead huh?
Liogiery Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
Eddie, ilt’s not the subject, but you cant devaluate Noah offensive capicity.
He’s the 1st rookie (who play more than 10min) in 48min. efficiency in front of S. Williams and L. Scola.
You can also compare 2 friends: Noah and Horford (top3 rookie) 48minutes stats.
Noah - 16.5pts - 15.3rbs - 3.4ast - 3.0stl - 2.3blk - 2.6to - 45%
Horford - 13.7pts - 15.0rbs - 1.9ast - 1.4stl - 1.7blk - 2.9to - 48%
And no-one speak about Horford qualities. Horford have opportunities, Noah, not…
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
SUNSFAN
Meet me up there scary cat lol
Salva Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
I’m embarrassed and disappointed !
This aggressiveness makes me sick…seems that writing down his opinion without mentionning some personal issues with Eddie has become a huge problem for many of you bloggers.
PEACE.
sunsfanwhohateseddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
awww I guess eddie’s butt hurt now. And i believe the expression you’re looking for is scaredy cat. Nothing on basketball anymore??? I think the majority of the people on here have disagreed with your assessment already but, I guess we’re all mortals and know nothing because we didn’t play in the NBA for 17 seasons. Yup we’re all idiots. We should just conform to what people say and women should not show skin.
harold nations Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Ben Wallace should be delivering newspapers and donuts to Noah! Wallace couldn’t lead a parade of dog catchers. What we have here are veterans being upstaged by a smarter, more energetic, and more talented rookie and of course they don’t like it. Doesn’t mean Noah is wrong, just that he doesn’t like typical nba BS.
George Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
I like the company analogy. If I got a new employee who graduated from Harvard cum laude and I paid top dollars to get his as in my company and my sales are tanking… and everything my “seasoned” senior people are doing does not produce any results… I’d say the rookie is on the fast lane to a promotion. And his Harvard degree does mean a lot. It means he is most likely better than 99.99% of his peers and a winner that will take me places.
Mind you, if I have a manager who comes to me asking to discipline one of his workers for jumping the chain of command instead of standing up as a leader and putting the worker in his place, I’d probably first demote the manager, second I’ll discipline the rookie for breaking the rules and finally if the rookie was right in what he said I’d make him the manager and give him the opportunity to shine.
When you lose and you mostly concern yourself with who the rookie is then you do not have a commitment to winning but a commitment to playing out your own insecurities and to covering your inability to fix it. And if there were true leaders there they should’ve smacked the rookie on the nouth to put him in his place and then gotten out there and grabbed 20 boards, blocked 5 shots, stole 3 balls, and scored 15 points en route to winning the game. But instead they complained to their friends and to mommy and did not allow the new kid to play with them in the next game they lost.
So, don’t even get me started on Ben Wallace. He got lucky in Detroit with all that talent around him. He was a bum before and he is a bum now, albeit 60mill dollars richer bum.
Mavs4ever Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
I think there are two sides we must look into, the player side, which EJ belongs and the fan side which is us. Well, as a player, considering if your working your ass for 10 years in this business and a newly hired employee tells you straight in your face that your not doing your job well, i would have smack him instantly. But on the fan/ consumer side, it’s quite easy to tell your not performing well based on what i see on the court presently and i dont care if you’ve done good on those previous years (employee of the month, MVP etc.) , but since the customer is always right, you just shut your mouth.
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Liogiery
that 48 minute stat is a bogus projection. if i had m played 48 minutes a game at my point production. i would have led the league in scoring for a decade.
it means nothing. its good for stat hounds.
Carlito's Way Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
Sunsfanwhohateseddie sorry to break it to you but your friend hates his/her job and hates customers in general. Hey it happens. I work in the customer service as well and you know what I don’t like customers either. I’ll talk smack about them and cuss them out in my mind all day. Does that mean that I know my customers? Does it mean that they are bad people because I can’t stand them? I do what I do because I’m comfortable in my job and had to work from the bottom of seniority and earned my way up. So what?
Eddie, I agree with what you’re saying. You should worry about yourself and not others.
MATT Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
PORTLAND TRADES
G-J.JACK,D.MILES,C.FRYE, 08 PICK
FOR S.MARION- NOAH GETS TRADED TO ORLANDO FOR
JJ REDICK,&BCOOK
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
sunsfanwhohateseddie
really the only dunce on here is you for going the personal route. i think you are a silly sad individual and now you will be ignored because you have no substance to your life if you are casting blind personal jargon. so disappear my friend and if you mention another personal attack other than relating to the article you will be banned!
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
harold nations
you had my attention till you said more talented.
joey Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
I agree. Noah should shut up. its just the way things are… whaTEVER the excuse does not overcome the fact that he is a rookie.
Eddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
George
why are you guys mentioning Ben Wallace? i dont agree with Wallace, but i really dont agree with Noah. If Ben Gordon, Kirk Heinrich or Luol Deng said something to him—-no problem.
or better yet if Noah was Lebron in his first year, than fine—–but we are talking about a player that has not played and quite frankly will not make a impact in this league untill he can improve his offensive skill set. So until then SHUT -UP– because wallace will not respect you.
Salva Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Eddie,
Possible to get an autograph ?
Kingsblade Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Noah’s biggest problem is his sense of entitlement. I can’t decide if his problem comes from his somewhat privileged upbringing or his status as big man on campus at Florida, but it is becoming more of a widespread issue with some of these kids coming up lately.
People here bring up names like Magic, and Jordan, but what they fail to mention is that those guys did exactly what Eddie is suggesting. Sure they were leaders on their team, but they put their heads down and led by example and talent. They did not start talking until they had proven they had a right to do so.
Do you people really think that Jordan was mouthing off telling teammates what to do before he had even demonstrated that he was ready to lead? Do you really think Jordan wasn’t getting coffee and donuts? Of course he was. You’re crazy if you don’t think that guys like Orlando Woolridge made rookie life very hard on Jordan.
All of those great players and leaders that people keep talking about came into the league intent on working hard and proving they belonged. Noah has come into the league assuming some sort of mantle of privilege and leadership that just does not exist at this level for him.
Peterrr Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
I agree with Eddie Johnson on this. Noah is a rookie and he should respect the veterans. What Noah shouldn’t do is start talking to the press in public. leave all that stuff in-doors without embarrassing himself and his team. Prove yourself before you start talking Noah. Like Eddie said “be the first to come and last to leave”. Prove by examples not by words. I can sit on the bench or couch and start complaining and whining about how bad they are. Its easy to talk with his mouth But it takes REAL HEART to do that on the court.
Very good post by the way Eddie. Thx
Peterrr Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Kingsblade, Great Post, couldn’t have said it better.
sunsfanwhohateseddie Said,
January 18, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Wah, wah, wah…and “all you wanna be nba players” is not a personal attack on us?
Why are we mentioning Wallace??? Here’s why
“because Wallace has paid his dues and has a championship to boot”.
You’re in essence saying that Noah has no right to explain his side of the situation, because basically he hasn’t paid his dues? He’s not asking for the ball more, he’s not complaining about skills, nor is he complaining about execution??? He was venting his frustrations on the teams lack of effort and their attitude when they lost (hence wallace laughing on the bench during a loss). What the hell is wrong with that Eddie?? Answer that, you have yet to do so, ironically instead you personally attack Noah’s game. We all agree his game needs work, he never acted like a superstar, instead he’s acting like a teammate who cares! I don’t get it.
John Said,