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Noah earns All-NBA First Team honors

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Jun 4

Bulls center Joakim Noah has another accolade to add to his best professional season thus far, this time as a member of the 2013-14 All-NBA First Team.

Noah, previously named the 2013-14 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, joined Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden and Chris Paul on the first team, the NBA announced on Wednesday. He appeared on 101 of 125 ballots as a first-team pick.

Joakim Noah was voted on to the 2013-14 All-NBA First Team along with Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden and Chris Paul.

Joakim Noah was voted on to the 2013-14 All-NBA First Team along with Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden and Chris Paul.
(Jonathan Daniel/NBAE/Getty Images)

Noah captured All-NBA First Team honors for the first time in his career. He is the fourth Bulls player to do so, joining Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Derrick Rose.

Both General Manager Gar Forman and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau spoke glowingly about Noah, his accomplishments, and the player he has become.

“We are all very excited for Joakim,” said Forman. “It is terrific to see all his hard work and dedication pay off and we feel he is very deserving. It has been fun for all of us to watch his game improve on both ends of the floor and to see him grow into such a leader for our team both on and off the floor.

“Joakim is everything we aspire to be with his work ethic and passion, and we’re extremely proud of what he has accomplished,” Forman added.

“I’m just thrilled,” said Thibodeau. “I’m thrilled for him because it says a lot about him—his drive, his determination, how he’s gotten better every year that he’s been in the league, that he’s never satisfied and how there is no quit in him. He starting to be recognized for all of those things now.

“Probably the most important thing is what he does for our team in terms of winning,” added Thibodeau. “He’s strong in so many different areas and a lot of what he does is hard to be measured statistically.

“As I’ve mentioned before, when we needed him the most, he responded the best,” Thibodeau concluded. “It was a terrific season for him. I know he’s anxious to get started and looking forward to next season.”

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