Thursday’s matchup between the Knicks and Bulls will carry more intrigue than any game between the two teams in recent memory, perhaps since the regular playoff clashes of the 1990s.
New York is 3-1 after a dominant win over the 76ers, while Chicago remains undefeated. Adding to the storyline is the celebration of Joakim Noah night that is set to take place during Thursday’s game, as Noah will be honored by the franchise that helped make him an All-Star.
Noah will also be receiving the honor while still getting paid nearly $6.5 million by the Knicks due to the buyout agreement between the two sides following a disastrous tenure in New York after he was brought in by Phil Jackson.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coached Noah in his prime, and is looking forward to honoring him in Chicago before turning his focus to beating his former team.
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“I’m thrilled for him,” Thibodeau said. “He’s a special guy, had an incredible career. When you go to war with somebody like that, that team was special. Unfortunately, Derrick got injured, but that team gave everything they had and fought through a lot of adversity.
“I loved him. I fought with him. I loved him. I fought with him. And he's a dear friend now.”
Noah isn’t seen as a dear friend to Knicks fans, who saw him play in just 53 games over two seasons after signing a four-year deal with the team. What followed was injuries, airballs and an altercation with then head coach Jeff Hornacek. That of course won’t be the focus of Thursday’s ceremonies in Chicago, but it will be a reminder of how far the Knicks have come since having to put out fires every which way throughout the franchise up until Thibodeau took over.
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