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.