Chicago ? There’s no truth to the rumor Joakim Noah’s introductory news conference in the Windy City was pushed to Monday because his seersucker suit didn’t clear security at a New York airport Friday morning.

It is true Noah didn’t make it out of New York where, rumor has it, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

Noah has made it in New York, talking fondly of the bond he has with the city in which he spent his teenage years. And he will make it to Chicago eventually, bringing with him an irrepressible spirit and outgoing personality that either entertains or alienates but never is boring.

Those close to Noah warn dull moments will be few and far between. And that, Bulls officials say, is fine by them.

“We understand we’re going to have a few discussions with him every once in awhile,” general manager John Paxson said with a nervous chuckle. “But it’s not necessarily a bad thing that he has that type of personality. He’ll understand what we’re about.

“He adds a dimension to our team. He’s a very demonstrative player. We don’t have a lot of guys like that. You can look at the exterior but on the inside this is a guy who really wants to be here and be a good player. I think he’ll fit what we’re trying to do.”

Noah’s exterior on draft night featured the now infamous seersucker suit, large bow tie and long, flowing hair. Think TNT reporter Craig Sager’s wardrobe on steroids.

Paxson and coach Scott Skiles didn’t seem to mind, practically embracing the fact Noah is outspoken and occasionally outlandish. Perhaps this view is infused with the knowledge the next controversial quote Luol Deng utters will be his first. More likely, Bulls officials know Noah is a heart-on-his-tank-top kind of guy, one who brings as much energy on the court as he does off it.

“There are certain guys in the league people think have a lot of energy because they have a certain false bravado after they dunk a ball,” Skiles said. “From everything we’ve learned, there’s nothing false (with him). It’s real.”

This energy level is why the Bulls plan to take a cautious approach with Noah in summer-league play. A partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder has yet to heal fully because of so many pre-draft workouts.

Noah is on a first-name basis with contact with his relentless style when he does play. Noah is expected to travel to Orlando and Salt Lake City to experience summer league and get to know future teammates like Tyrus Thomas, even if he doesn’t play.

Noah, who spent time in Paris and Cameroon as a youngster, is used to travel. His biggest trip – surely to be met with his typical humor and bombast – waits, donning a Bulls uniform after growing up an avid Knicks fan.

“How ironic is it that now I’m wearing a Bulls hat?” Noah laughed. “I’ve never been so happy in my life. I feel so fortunate. The Bulls have a lot of tradition. They’re a team that isn’t satisfied unless they win the championship. I think the city expects the championship, I look forward to impacting winning.”