BOSTON — Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose’s buddy and former Bulls teammate, went on the offensive after Rose was cleared in his rape civil trial, saying the accuser was a gold digger.

“It’s a blessing to have him come back — it’s great the truth came out,’’ Noah said after the Knicks’ 121-96 preseason victory over the Celtics. “We didn’t have a point guard for all of preseason. All because of a girl who was trying to make money off my friends. … [It] is just wack.”

Noah said Rose is “a tough kid but it was definitely a distraction, not just him but the whole team because some girl went out of her way to make money off of him.’’

Rose was cleared of all charges in the sexual assault trial Wednesday. Carmelo Anthony said Rose being cleared was important for the point guard, allowing him to return to the team in a peaceful frame of mind.

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said Rose is “itching to play basketball” after being away 15 days, though the point guard’s first game probably won’t be until the season opener Tuesday in Cleveland.

One of Noah’s motivations to sign with the Knicks was to rejoin Rose, who had joined the Knicks in an earlier trade.

“We spent a lot of time working out together over the summer,’’ Noah said. “He was in great spirits, but you could tell, having something like that is heavy.’’

Rose was cleared by a Los Angeles jury of all claims made by a former girlfriend stemming from a 2013 incident. Rose wasn’t expected to fly back to New York until Thursday, when the Knicks finish their preseason schedule in Brooklyn.

“Man, that’s great news,’’ Anthony said. “When [he] can just now put that behind him and focus in on the task at hand, getting back in the flow of things, from that standing, we’re excited about that. Just to have him back.

“Me personally I know how hard he was working to get to this point and be here with us. I’m just glad it’s over with. It was an unfortunate situation for both sides.’’

Hornacek, who spoke to Rose on Tuesday night after closing arguments, said it is unlikely Rose would attend Thursday’s game. The only way that changes is if Rose insists.

“But I don’t see that being the case,’’ Hornacek said.

“It’s a tough thing he went through, now it’s over, now he can focus on basketball. We’re just all glad it’s done with and he can get back here. … He’s obviously relieved it’s over with.’’

Rose, in a statement, said, “It was important to prove I did not do what I was accused of, even if it meant publicly sharing very private details about my personal life.”

The trial took a major toll on the Knicks’ preparations for the season. Wednesday’s game in Boston was the fourth straight preseason game Rose missed. He’s also been absent from nine practices. The Knicks never expected this long an absence, thinking he would be back after his testimony nine days ago.

In Rose’s absence, Brandon Jennings became the starting point guard and did well. But Jennings’ time with the second unit was limited.

Rose’s backup said he believes Hornacek’s offense is “simple’’ enough for Rose to master with a fresh start. “To have the distractions out of the way, he can just play basketball,’’ Jennings said.

“He can play his game and enjoy himself now,’’ said Justin Holiday, Rose’s teammate in Chicago. “I think he’s ready physically.’’