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NY Knicks: What if Joakim Noah thrived with Rose and Thibodeau in NYC?

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Joakim Noah #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2016 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Grizzlies 111-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Joakim Noah, NY Knicks. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

An early-season matchup between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls featured a fascinating off-the-court storyline. On the court, the NY Knicks narrowly handed the previously undefeated Bulls their first loss of the season in a 104-103 victory.

The contest, which was played in Chicago’s United Center began in a way that made some New York fans cringe. The Bulls took a moment to applaud and honor former defensive anchor and MVP candidate Joakim Noah, who was in attendance.

In one sense, it was fitting to see Noah celebrated alongside former coach Tom Thibodeau and teammates Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson. In another, it reminded Knicks fans of the disaster union between Noah and the franchise during the late-2010s.

The scene drew a fascinating question. What if Noah’s tenure with the Knicks had gone differently? What if he thrived in NYC like his former Bulls teammates?

You may have seen the Marvel franchise recently release an animated series called What If? In this show, the storylines of the MCU were drastically altered by one (seemingly) small change in history.

(What If Spoilers:) The effect was fascinating as the dominoes fell. One change in the story resulted in more differences. One after another. Until characters like Captain America, Peter Quill (as Star-Lord) were completely changed. And Tony Stark as Iron Man was killed at every possible juncture.

In that same vein, what would a storyline look like had Joakim Noah thrived during his time in NYC? Cue the reckless speculation as we dive into the Knicks-centered rewrite.

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