Joakim Noah to skip Olympics
BY NEIL HAYES nhayes@suntimes.com July 4, 2012 11:31PM
Updated: August 6, 2012 12:14PM
Remember when Bulls center Joakim Noah warmed up before Game 6 in Philadelphia? It was obvious he had not recovered enough from the twisted left ankle he suffered in Game 3 to play in what turned out to be an elimination game for the Bulls.
Nearly eight weeks later, Noah still is on the mend. He announced that he will not play for France during the upcoming London Olympics because of the injury, according to French sports daily L’Equipe.
“I’m absolutely not ready, not ready to run, not ready to jump,” Noah said, “and even less to play. I need more time and work. I’m not in form for someone who wants to compete in the Olympics. And given the problems that I have with my ankles, not going to the Games seemed to be the most reasonable decision.”
Teammate Luol Deng is planning to play for Britain despite an injured wrist. Derrick Rose also will miss the Olympics after tearing the ACL in his left knee during the first game of the playoffs.
