New York Knicks: Five players with something to prove for rest of 2018-19
![New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/af2d52bce35130be4bf84f74a4b2522b3fa00463d0fe6532c097abfd920129c2.jpg)
3. Noah Vonleh
Slash Line: .449/.341/.725
Stat Line: 8.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.7 3PM
Once called the New York Knicks’ “most complete player,” Noah Vonleh‘s stock slipped during the 18-game losing streak. Since Jan. 27, he has just 4.7 points and 5.9 rebounds on 33.3 percent shooting. His promising three-point shooting fell to 13.0 percent. Starts and minutes per game fell off, as well.
Suddenly, Vonleh is stuck, similarly to his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls. Maybe it’s just a blip on the radar, but this became enough to reduce his role.
Part of the drop-off happened after the trade deadline. Vonleh had started just twice in the five-game stretch before the All-Star break, and one of the starts lasted just three minutes.
The Indiana product seemed in line for a pay raise this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Amid this prolonged struggle, and with 23 games left, that may no longer be the case.
It will be difficult to regain value, as well, with Mitchell Robinson emerging, DeAndre Jordan taking a handful of minutes and Luke Kornet providing the outside shooting this team lacks. There should be a role amid these roles, but not like the 30-plus minutes accumulated in November and December games.
Vonleh could cast doubt aside, but the odds are stacked against him, as Fizdale seeks what fits past this season.