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New York Knicks: Who stepped up in the preseason opener?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards during the second half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Austin Rivers #1 of the Washington Wizards during the second half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Noah Vonleh #30 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards during pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 1: Noah Vonleh #30 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards during pre-season game on October 1, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Noah Vonleh

Noah Vonleh entered the preseason opener on an unguaranteed contract, so his spot on the New York Knicks roster for 2018-19 hardly stands concrete. Four unremarkable NBA seasons needed to be put in the past, and for one night, that happened.

Vonleh didn’t play a minute until the third quarter, but he made his presence felt immediately. Energetic moves on offense, if out of control at times, and athletic work around the basket made for some highlight-reel plays. Some of them were called off, but it was eye-popping nonetheless for the veteran.

The Indiana product seemed motivated and with something to prove, which he does, and Monday’s game was a good start. It resulted in eight points and five rebounds in just 12 minutes, albeit with three turnovers and three fouls.

Was this enough to give Vonleh a longer run in Wednesday’s preseason game? It’s a crowded group for Fizdale to find minutes for, so something similar might be in the works.

With other big men to find minutes for, including Mitchell Robinson, Vonleh may need to provide similar production in a limited role. It’s potentially the maxed out version of his role, if he makes the team, so let’s see what happens next.

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