The Chicago Bulls were just getting used to playing with their full team when it was announced that center Joakim Noah would need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb.  Noah initially injured his thumb in late November, but was able to play through the pain.  As the weeks past and Noah’s thumb did not improve the Bulls staff was forced to sideline Noah in order to bring him back to full strength.  Noah will be out 8-10 weeks and is excepted back in early February.

This injury is a huge blow to the Chicago Bulls.  Rose was just getting used to distributing the ball between Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.  With Noah out Taj Gibson will receive the bulk of the playing time at center.  Gibson who is averaging 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game will try and replace not only the offensive but also defense presence.  Noah was averaging 14 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

Looking on the bright side of things, the Bulls play in a week division, and are still excepted to remain in the top four teams in the East.  When Noah returns to the Bulls he will be fresh and ready to play. Rose, Boozer and Noah will have enough time to relearn how to play together in time for the playoffs. In the end although this is a heartbreaking loss for the Bulls, things could be a lot worse (Atlanta Hawks).