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

Knicks: The 2021-2022 Impact

That last section is a daydream scenario. But let’s say jump further back into reality. If a superstar shift did not take place, there are still logical reasons to believe that a Chicago-like version of Noah could still be making an impact on the Knicks.

The two-time All-Star’s last taste of NBA action came during the 2019-2020 season. A combination of injuries and what seemed like disinterest in pursuing his basketball career resulted in Noah hanging up his jersey after 13 seasons.

A committed Noah could have had a noticeable effect on current Knicks in a rewrite scenario. If he thrived like Rose and Taj Gibson, the former Flordia Gator would have been a part of the reunion with Thibodeau.

Noah spoke very highly of his former Bulls teammates in a public forum after his recognition. A union of these pieces could have cleared the way for the former star to end his career more traditionally.

With the motivation of Thibodeau, Rose, and Gibson perhaps Noah would have transitioned into a backup role. Had he been willing to mentor younger teammates, he could have worked with budding young center Mitchell Robinson. Could you imagine Mitch-Rob with Noah-like energy and intensity? That could be a recipe for future NBA All-Defense honors.