Joakim Noah Shot an Ugly Airball Which Sums Up His Career-Worst Shooting This Season

Joakim Noah started his 2nd game of the season last night in the Bulls OT win over the 76ers. Noah finished with 6 points on 3-8 shooting, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. He also shot this horrific airball. It didn’t come close to hitting anything and it was a perfect example of his season.

Noah is shooting a career-low 38% from the field through 28 games. Last season he shot 44% which was his previous career-low. Coming into this year he was a career 71% free throw shooter. This year he’s .489 from the line. The Chicago Bulls are facing real chicken or egg situation. What came first – Fred Hoiberg changing Noah’s role and reducing his minutes or Noah’s offensive decline which warrants the limited role?

The good news is that Noah is still a talented and effective passer and rebounder. In fact, his per-36 stats for rebounds (14.5) and assists (6.3) are both career highs and his defensive numbers remain solid. Could it be that at 30-years old, during his 9th season in the league, the numbers are finally matching that ugly shot of his? Nope.

Noah’s shooting problems are actually more severe closer to the basket. He’s shooting 50% from 10-16 feet. He’s a career-low .435 near the hoop and 20% from 3-10 feet. The only plausible explanation? Hoiberg.