Chicago Bulls: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 9, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) talks with Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls beat the Heat 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Joakim Noah (C) — No. 9 pick in 2007 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Bulls): 572 GP, 9.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 TOV, 49.0 FG%, 71.1 FT%

The Bulls selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. This was surprising to some considering that his offensive game was limited and he was deemed as merely a hustle and energy player by the experts.

But after being inserted into the starting lineup midway through his second season, Noah became a fan favorite due to the effort he gave at both ends of the court. Noah was a double-digit scorer in five of his nine years in the Windy City, with his best season taking place in 2013-14.

During that memorable season, Noah averaged 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award, was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and finished fourth in the MVP voting.

Sadly, that season would prove to be the peak of Noah’s career with the Bulls, as injuries reduced him to a shell of his former self over the next two years. After playing in just 29 games in the 2015-16 campaign (due to a shoulder injury), the Bulls opted not to re-sign him and he signed a four-year deal with the New York Knicks.

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