New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Noah Vonleh signing

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 30: Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic on March 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Physical Tools

The modern NBA is as much about skill as any era that’s come before it. Teams that can run out five players who can pass, dribble, and shoot can essentially do what the New York Knicks of the 1970s were able to: Compete with anyone and contend for championships.

True as that may be, there’s never been a greater emphasis on length and athleticism on the defensive end of the floor—and Noah Vonleh checks at least one of those boxes.

Vonleh measures at 6’9″ and 245 pounds, which borders on prototypical for a traditional power forward. What enables him to defend both interior positions, however, is the fact that his strong frame is rounded out by a massive 7’4.25″ wingspan.

Vonleh has been a surprisingly poor shot-blocker in the NBA, but his mere presence on the court will provide New York with necessary length on defense.

Switching against the pick and roll has become a vital ability on defense, and Vonleh’s length implies that he can do so. Getting him to buy in will depend on he and David Fizdale, but New York has something to work with on both ends of the floor.

Vonleh can also play above the rim, which gives the deep rotation of point guards yet another lob target when running the pick and roll themselves.