Here we will breakdown the match-up, and then BullsNation will have just 24 hours to vote on the winner of the crucial Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavalier match-up.
So, BullsNation, are you ready? Today's match-up is:
Joakim Noah vs. Anderson Varejao
Anderson Varejao is one of the best match-ups for Joakim Noah in that they are players of the same mold.
Varejao plays with energy and rebounds and defends. Sound like anyone we know?
For his defensive intensity, he was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2010.
However, at 31 going on 32 by the time the NBA season rolls around, Varejao was once able to use his experience to get the best of Noah in this match-up.
But Noah has gotten wiser, and Varejao has gotten, well, older. Last season, due to aging, minutes, and injuries, Varejao's numbers fell off of career bests in 2012-13 of 14.1 PPG and 14.4 RPG to 8.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG last season.
Meanwhile, in our corner is the man in the middle who is coming off of his best season as a professional. Joakim Noah averaged 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG. Jo had a very strong season, which he capped off by being named Defensive Player of the Year, as well as, being named to the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams.
And most importantly, Joakim blossomed into the role as the leader of this Chicago Bulls team, as well as, a representative of the Chicago Bulls franchise.
Noah was in the center of the recruiting efforts to bring Carmelo Anthony to Chicago, and when it became clear that Anthony would decide to return to New York, Jo was a part of the delegation that met Pau Gasol in Los Angeles in an effort that ended up bringing the former NBA Champion to the Windy City.
He has led by example, and refused to sacrifice the culture of winning in Chicago be sacrificed for a higher draft pick. Ultimately, that more than anything else may be Joakim Noah's legacy as a Chicago Bull: maintaining the cohesion and culture of winning... oh, and really wanting to beat Lebron.
So, BullsNation, who wins this match-up? Tell us who you are voting for in the comments below! And stay tuned to our Facebook Page for results and our next vote!
