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New York Knicks: Who stepped up on opening night against the Hawks?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 12: Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 12: Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Noah Vonleh

On an unguaranteed contract, Noah Vonleh had to fight his way onto the New York Knicks. His spot was locked up when Joakim Noah, Jeff Coby and Kadeem Allen were waived, but it didn’t stop another standout performance.

Off the bench, in just 16 minutes, Vonleh had 12 points and 10 rebounds on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting. Like Kanter, he worked Atlanta’s frontcourt and found success throughout the game.

The preseason showcased the Indiana product’s energy and toughness under the hoop. Sometimes, it led to erratic play and turnovers, but that was hardly the case here, with a noticeable effort that will continue to provide playing time.

Down the line, if Vonleh keeps this up, he can earn a spot start if Kanter or Thomas need a night off. It’s a small sample size, but the ability to push the ball into the paint and bully low-post defenders has stat consistent and something for the Knicks to embrace.

Robinson’s injury departure also provided Vonleh with minutes, so once he’s healthy, it will be interesting to see how this changes. Plus, New York’s second-round rookie will inevitably hit the G League, opening minutes for the other backups. That could only be a matter of time if the organization feels he needs to bulk up in Westchester.

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