<u>Cleared To Play</u> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Aug 10 - The path is clear for Joakim Noah to play his international basketball for France after the 22-year-old was officially made a French citizen. Noah, who will play for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA next season, on Thursday received the necessary paperwork after months of waiting. -- FIBA.com </div> <div align="center"></div>
Sweet. I'm very glad to hear that he will be able to play internationally for them, it was something that he has dreamed about doing and now(assuming he stays healthy and France wants him) he can live it out.
Can he speak fluent French? I know he has French heritage, but if he can't speak the language, then he might not be as useful. Communication is very important in these kinds of settings. Just look at the way the international team loses to Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit every year. I'd think this would be especially true for a player like Joakim Noah who's not going to be an offensive focal point or creating his own opportunities.
I just hope that he won't get injured while playing in France that will be really sad to see before the season starts.
<div class="quote_poster">Dark Hero Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I just hope that he won't get injured while playing in France that will be really sad to see before the season starts.</div> I hope he does, so I don't have to see him play his lame offense against Bargnani or Bosh, then get owned on the defensive end.
<div class="quote_poster">Voodoo Child Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Can he speak fluent French? I know he has French heritage, but if he can't speak the language, then he might not be as useful. Communication is very important in these kinds of settings. Just look at the way the international team loses to Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit every year. I'd think this would be especially true for a player like Joakim Noah who's not going to be an offensive focal point or creating his own opportunities.</div> I'm pretty sure he can. I believe he goes there occasionally over the summer for extended amounts of time. <div class="quote_poster">Dark Hero Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I just hope that he won't get injured while playing in France that will be really sad to see before the season starts.</div> I don't think he's going to play this year, because he is still recovering from an injury. He didn't play in summer league at all and I think he'll just rest until training camp. (if he's ready then) <div class="quote_poster">Master Shake Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I hope he does, so I don't have to see him play his lame offense against Bargnani or Bosh, then get owned on the defensive end.</div> You want to see someone get injured? btw, how many people don't get owned by Bargiani and especially Bosh? There's not many and he's only going to be a rookie.
Damn, I wish he would have chosen to play for Sweden, but since our team sucks I understand why he chose France. His mother is a formel model and beauty pageant contestant from Sweden, and Joakim speaks a bit swedish btw.
I know for a fact that Noah can speak fluent French because he was asked about it during his press conference in Chicago. He should fit right in with the National Team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I know for a fact that Noah can speak fluent French because he was asked about it during his press conference in Chicago.</div> Well then, this would be a great opportunity for both parties involved, especially of Boris Diaw can't play because of insurance. What's their projected lineup at this point? Is this close? PG - Tony Parker / Yannick Bokolo (?) SG - Antoine Rigaudeau / Joseph Gomis SF - Mickael Gelabale (?) PF - Boris Diaw (?) / Joakim Noah / Yakhouba Diawara / Florent Pietrus C - Ronny Turiaf / Ian Mahinmi / Frederic Weis I wonder when Batum and Ajinca will join the national team. From what I saw when they came to Memphis, Batum is more than ready to play on that stage. Ajinca's probably a few years away from being a contributer, but he'd still be an upgrade over Weis and Diawara. It'd be nice to get Pietrus' brother to play as well, but he's sort of one dimensional, so it's not that big of a loss.
I would think Batum will be included in the end for sure. He's a top three pick next season and as I mentioned before if he continues to improve enough further he'll likely be a #1. The French National Team would be pretty stupid not to add him to the final roster. I agree, Alexis Ajinca is definitely not ready for that type of commitment to his country. He's well underweight for his size and will be pounded up and down the court by tougher opposition like the USA, Spain or Argentina. France should do well this year though even if Diaw may not be able to play. I still think that's full of crap though I understand the issue.
<div class="quote_poster">Master Shake Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I hope he does, so I don't have to see him play his lame offense against Bargnani or Bosh, then get owned on the defensive end.</div> You're wishing injury on someone? That's just cold blooded...
If he plays this year its going to ultimately hurt both he and the Bulls. He needs to take all the necessary precautions to assure he is 100% ready for the season. I'm happy for him though, seems like we are going to have pretty much our entire team playing in the Olympics soon (might not be a good thing).
This sucks. I hope BG doesnt go and play for the uk. that would all of our best players in international comp. so that raises the chances that our team will be missing a major piece. will noch be playing too? Sheese BG deng noch Hinrich? Noah If your a season ticket holder your not happy right now
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Nocioni will be playing, no worries on that end.</div> I think he might, actually. He's listed on the team's roster (Link) and him, Scola, and Delfino are supposedly the only NBA players who were willing to come over this year. I think a lot will depend on how he's feeling after his recovery: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> What went through your mind when you knew about Nocioni?s possible integration to the team? Delfino: Great, the more the better it will be. He?s an experienced player, with bravery without comparison. I hope that he can make the team so he can help us. Welcome to the group. It doesn?t matter if I know him well or not, I know that he will give a lot to talk about. He doesn?t know fear and never backs up. </div> <div align="center">Source</div>
I still doubt it considering that he stated to CSN before the end of the Playoffs that his recovery is the main priority and that he was looking forward to resting all summer.
<div class="quote_poster">Ed! Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">You're wishing injury on someone? That's just cold blooded...</div> You know I was joking? I don't want anyone to get injuried. I just don't like him.
