Why Joakim Noah Rules and Why You're Prejudice and Close Minded for Dismissing Him

I spent the night before NBA Draft day and the entire day of Draft day hoping the Chicago Bulls wouldn't choose the amazingly unimpressive Spencer Hawes (C, Washington).

My primary choice for the Bulls was either: a- Joakim Noah (F, Florida) or b- Anyone but Hawes. The rationale was and is quite simple, really. Why draft someone who didn't succeed on a team or individual level in college (Hawes) over someone who dominated on a team and individual level in college (Noah, Noah, Noah)? Where is the sense in that?!

But John Paxson and I think alike, and he decided to make my night by drafting Noah. And upon that selection, my guests and I cheered the brilliance of the pick.

Surprisingly, after the Bulls made the selection, I got call after call from my friends, absolutely killing Pax for his "idiotic," "moronic," "ridiculous," and "b.s." move.

Here is a current away message...
PrObLyMaNy: eat sh-- a--f--- noah

And some IMs...
APerformS (1:56:53 AM): F'in noah
APerformS (1:57:05 AM): out of like 1000000
APerformS (1:57:22 AM): i hate noah
APerformS (1:57:35 AM): he is more over rated then michael vick
APerformS (1:57:42 AM): and less talent than me
APerformS (1:58:22 AM): but more so completely ignoring my contempt for noah
APerformS (1:58:31 AM): why do the bulls need him?
APerformS (1:58:40 AM): isnt he a mexican version of ben wallace?

That last IM sums it up perfectly. This is all just a case of general ignorance.

Most people, when asked why they don't like Noah, usually say close minded things like, "I hate the way he dances" or "His long hair is stupid" or "He thinks he's soooo great."

Well, he dances because he wins conference championships and NCAA titles, he has long hair because he defies petty social norms, and he thinks he's great because he has every desire to be great, and at this point, nothing has stood in his way from fulfilling that desire.

He's more than what you hear. Leading up to the draft, the one word I heard used more than any was the word "energy," and don't get me wrong, that's a pretty accurate word in describing his play, but I think he brings more to the table than that. He brings flair. He brings personality. He brings the right attitude.

I can't wait for the Joakim-era to start in Chicago. I hope the local media understands him for who he is -- a pensive, dedicated, and passionate young player who is looking to do everything he can to help his team win. And trust me, these aren't cliches. His quotes are going to be memorable, colorful, and hilarious, and his play should amplify his already present passion.

I'll end this with a call-out to the haters; why do you dislike Noah? I'd like some legitimate and real reasons. Nothing fake, nothing about dancing or hair. You know, maybe something about the way he plays basketball? And finally, if you're so against the pick, who would you have drafted in his place?

Oh, And Also...
Major props to Wilson Chandler (DePaul), Sammy Mejia (DePaul), and Adam Haluska (Iowa) for getting drafted tonight. Congrats, guys.