| Joakim Noah watches from the bench after being injured during the Bulls' playoff loss to Philadelphia. (Chris Sweda/Tribune Photo / July 4, 2012) |
9:50 a.m. CDT, July 4, 2012
Joakim Noah will not play for the French national team in the upcoming London Olympics because of the severely sprained left ankle he suffered during the Chicago Bulls' first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.The French sports daily L'Equipe first reported the news. The Tribune reported Noah would be sidelined for one to two months when he suffered the injury during Game 3 on May 4.
Noah gamely warmed up before the season-ending Game 6, leading some to speculate he might return. However, his teammates were told shortly after Noah suffered the injury that Noah would be sidelined for the remainder of the 76ers' series and likely the following round should the Bulls have advanced.
"I'm absolutely not ready, not ready to run, not ready to jump," Noah told L'Equipe, according to a translation. "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."
Noah has been working out both in Chicago and California. The French team, which also could lose Spurs guard Tony Parker to an eye injury, was considered a favorite to medal in London. Noah played for the French team last summer when it won a silver medal at EuroBasket.
kcjohnson@tribune.com
Twitter @kcjhoop
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