But instead he was still dealing with the fallout from being suspended — once by the Chicago Bulls management and again by his teammates — following a verbal run-in with assistant coach Ron Adams.

The rookie power forward was initially suspended for Friday's game against Philadelphia for berating Adams in a morning practice. But that suspension was extended to Sunday's loss in Atlanta when Bulls players voted that Noah's suspension should be longer than just one game. Interim coach Jim Boylan, who replaced the fired Scott Skiles, went along with the players' decision.

Noah practiced today and is expected to play Tuesday night when the Bulls face the Magic in Orlando. But he is still surprised by the longer suspension.

"I don't agree with it, but I'm a rookie and I have to deal with it," Noah said today after practice. "It's over and it's all about how I'm going to handle it. Am I going to still think about it and let this go on for a long time? Or am I going to learn from it? I didn't know that you could get suspended by players, but it was the players' decision and they thought I was in the wrong. I don't agree with it, but at the same time I'm going to take it."

Noah enjoyed tremendous success in college at Florida, leading the Gators to back-to-back national championships the past two seasons, but his rookie season with the Bulls has been rough. He was admonished by Skiles early in the season for speaking out about the team following a loss. Also, the Bulls made it public that Noah has been repeatedly fined for tardiness issues this season. Then came the blowup at Adams and the two-game suspension.

Playing time also has been scarce for the 6-11, 232-pound power forward. He's appeared in 27 games and is playing 12.3 minutes a game. He's averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds for the 14-21 Bulls.

"I learned that you can't let your temper flare even in the heat of the moment. I learned a tough lesson and I had to learn the hard way," Noah said. "Honestly, when I look back at the situation, it was the heat of the moment. It's a long season and we're not doing very well. I feel like I let my emotions get the best of me. I just won't let it happen again."

Noah said that he has since apologized to Adams, who was reportedly criticizing Noah for forgetting plays before the incident occurred. Noah said the two are close friends, having spent time together over the Christmas holiday.

But the fact that his teammates voted to extend the suspension is the part of the equation that still puzzles Noah.

"Yeah, I was surprised, but at the same time it's in the past and it's on me now to do my job," he said. "The message was clear to me that I was out of line.