Joakim Noah out 4-6 months with shoulder surgery

Noah dislocated his left shoulder Friday and will undergo surgery.

Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris, left, drives against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, in Chicago. Hoiberg also mentioned that Cam Bairstow and undrafted rookie Cristiano Felicio may also be called upon to eat up minutes.

The Bulls also could have a different look at times, Hoiberg said.

As a result of such an outstanding season, Noah went on to win the Defensive Player of the Year award; was named to the All-Defensive first team and finished fourth in MVP voting behind Blake Griffin, LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Noah’s recovery time is expected to be four to six months.

But that’s long-term stuff. According to Sam Smith of NBA.com, there is a chance that Noah and the Bulls could figure out a short-term contract that is beneficial for both sides. The mood in the locker room after the game was reportedly very somber as Noah’s teammates realized he might be done for the season and his Bulls tenure could be coming to a close.

I blacked out. I can’t remember a thing what happened there.

Noah passionately recruited Gasol in free agency during the 2014 offseason.

The bigger picture with Noah’s latest injury is that it might have ended his career in Chicago. “Because it stops you from doing what you love to do”. I feel bad, the fact that he’s going to have to have a surgical procedure to fix this. “But hopefully he heals well and whenever he does get surgery, the surgery goes well and it doesn’t become a long-term issue for him”.

Meanwhile it has been one of the great Chicago stories ever told. Noah still believes that he should receive a significant number of minutes, and the Bulls were not giving him the playing time that he desired. SO if the Lakers are interested in trading for a player who has the potential to be a star and leader, but is massively out of form (and hence, has low trade value), then Noah could be a guy to target. “I like to compete”. “But if anyone has the fire and determination to put in the work and get back to where he needs to be, it’s Jo”. The Bulls are 8-2 in the games he has not played.

Noah was in his fourth game back after returning from a nine-game absence because of an injury to the same shoulder.

With all that said, it’s probably Gibson, of the three reportedly available, that will likely create the biggest demand on the trade block. Last year, with Noah playing in tandem with Pau Gasol up front, they scored 104.7. His emotional leadership will come when he’s in street clothes.

“It’s tough, ” coach Fred Hoiberg said.