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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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

From Knicks Flameout to Anchor

In reality, Noah arrived in New York after injuries hampered the end of his Chicago tenure. Once an All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, and fringe MVP candidate, the former lottery pick saw his counting stats begin to drop as his playing time was affected by injuries.

However, the Knicks offered Noah a four-year, $72.5 million contract in 2016. The center accepted (presumably gladly). Both sides hoped that the union would provide a boost to a roster that also featured Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingas, and Derrick Rose (during his first NY stint) into the postseason.

Instead of anchoring the defense, Noah again found himself limited by injuries and overall frustration. He posted mediocre totals of 4.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game during to seasons with the club. He was waived just two years later.

Let’s say that things went differently. Entirely differently. Let’s say that Noah was able to bounce back from injuries and thrive in his anchor role.

There’s no need to go too far in this rewrite. Noah didn’t need to be a DPOY in New York. Per game averages of 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and his trademark defensive flexibility and intensity would have made a massive impact.

His paint protection could have drastically improved a talented roster that lacked a consistent center. If channeled correctly, his edginess could have been a galvanizing force on the roster.

Perhaps, New York would have been able to end their era of mediocrity far sooner than 2021. This could have resulted in a massive ripple that impacted the future.

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