Chicago Bulls' Center Joakim Noah Playing in His Second Consecutive NBA All-Star Game

NEW ORLEANS, LA.  After an opening to the season that has been disappointing after high expections accompanying the return of Derick Rose from injury, only to lose him again to another knee injury for all of this season, the Bulls have worked, truly worked, their way to a 27-25 record, and the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Joakim Noah in his first All-Star appearance in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.

One of the bright spots for Chicago has been the play and leadership of Joakim Noah.

Noah has always be credited with being the emotional leader of the Chicago Bulls, but after overcoming some nagging injuries, he has put together a run of games where he has dominated on the glass and keyed the offensive attack, which has propelled Chicago to the upper half of the Eastern playoff picture.

For this, JoNo has been awarded with his second consecutive All-Star selection.

This season, Noah has been a stat sheet stuffer, averaging 11.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.08 SPG.

Chicago will need JoNo to keep up his great leadership and high level of play to rise in the Eastern Conference playoff standings and to make a real impact come playoff-time.

Where will the Chicago Bulls finish this season in the Eastern Conference standings? How far will the Bulls go in the playoffs? Let us know what you think in the comments below!