What should we expect from Noah Vonleh next year?

[Boise Blazer]

BE had an interesting article with no new information per se but a good question nonetheless, What should/could we expect from Noah Vonleh next year? Or maybe more importantly beyond that. How close is he to his ceiling? Can he be more aggressive? Seems some people on here are very high and some are not all. So what do you think?
http://www.blazersedge.com/2016/6/6...gency-whiteside-howard-horford-leonard-vonleh

Vonleh is a 20-year-old big body with less than 1500 minutes played in his entire career. He already features excellent footwork, solid rebounding, and passable defense, with the clear physical tools to get better. Vonleh's measurements at the NBA draft combine were off the chart, putting up a 7-foot-4 wingspan to go against his 6-foot-9 frame. Unsurprisingly, Vonleh has always been an adept rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass.

The young big has already shown flashes of a capable jumpshot, shooting 45 percent in his career from 10-16 feet out. With clean shot mechanics, he can be expected to extend his range out to near the 3-point line as he matures.

In fact, I see Vonleh developing into a lesser version of one of Portland's rumored targets: Al Horford. The real issue is that even if this is an accurate comparison, it's not going to bear fruit next year. So that said, it's clear that Portland's primary focus should be an immediate upgrade in the frontcourt. After a surprising season which saw a second round playoff series and a 55-win pace after the All-Star break, Portland's window may not be wide open, but it's slightly cracked. A big name center joining the team would possibly push that window wide open.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I wonder, sometimes, with his reach, build, and current skillset, if we would be better off in the long-term with Noah playing center. I guess it all depends on who we sign in free agency. Depending on the results, he could be starting, or he could be third string.

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

I think you try to sell another team on his potential.

Hes probably the first guy to go with some value, if we try to sign dwight and need more space

 

[Schilly]

I think the biggest knock I have on Vonleh is he just doesn't show a lot of emotion on the floor. That said the dude is not yet 21 and shows a lot of the things I want to see in a PF. A nose for the ball is #1. He manages to be a decent rebounder in very limited minutes, even as a starter. He plays decent defense etc..etc... the on real weakness is like a lot of young players his jumper always seemed rushed and fueled by the adrenaline yips. Ball just comes out of his hands hot, yet he seems to have good touch when not rushing. Gmae just needs to slow down a bit for Noah.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I did find the Al Horford comparison at least interesting. Probably a bit of stretch but it seems like their build seems somewhat similar. Its not a comparison that I had thought before

 

[Orion Bailey]

I think the biggest knock I have on Vonleh is he just doesn't show a lot of emotion on the floor. That said the dude is not yet 21 and shows a lot of the things I want to see in a PF. A nose for the ball is #1. He manages to be a decent rebounder in very limited minutes, even as a starter. He plays decent defense etc..etc... the on real weakness is like a lot of young players his jumper always seemed rushed and fueled by the adrenaline yips. Ball just comes out of his hands hot, yet he seems to have good touch when not rushing. Gmae just needs to slow down a bit for Noah.

To me it seems emotion usually comes with confidence. Hard to be aggressive, get pissed, talk smack, etc, if you don't believe in yourself. I have no clue, but when you look in his eyes. I don't think that it is he doesn't believe in himself, but rather he doesn't think for himself. He needs to be told when to go down low and be tough.

I think he has the complete skill set to be a solid player/probable starter/possible star, but he needs to believe he can do it on his own.
I trust in our staff and think they will be able to mentor this young mind into a very solid player for us.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I did find the Al Horford comparison at least interesting. Probably a bit of stretch but it seems like their build seems somewhat similar. Its not a comparison that I had thought before

By this point in his career, Horford had played exactly 0 NBA minutes; he was just coming off his second NCAA championship. As a rookie, he started basically the whole season at center, putting up 10/10 and a 14.7 PER in 31 mpg.

Honestly, if Noah were our starting center this next season, that stat line from him wouldn't shock me.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

On a side note, did anyone realize that the Hawks haven't missed the playoffs since drafting Horford? 9 straight playoff appearances. I'd be willing to bet that's the longest active streak in the Eastern conference.

Edit: yep--second longest streak in the league behind the Spurs' 19 straight since drafting Duncan.
http://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/yo...e-been-in-7-straight-playoffs.html/?a=viewall

 

[riverman]

I expect Vonleh to make a big leap in his game by next season...he'll be working on his game this summer and I'm starting to think we've got a pretty good coaching staff to get him there.

 

[e_blazer]

I was disappointed that I didn't really see much improvement from him as the season went along this year. Still cautiously optimistic that since he's so young he can still develop into a solid contributor, but I'm doubtful that he has star potential.

 

[Reep]

He just needs reps and confidence. He has some amazing tools, just needs to get more comfortable. If he were 25 I would be concerned, but he is soooo young.

 

[Mediocre Man]

It takes big guys longer.

That's what people told me when the injured guy flopped early and often.

Vonleh basically followed him in PER. About 13 last year and dipping below 10 this year. So I expect average at best from Vonleh because that's how he is trending

 

[julius]

I expect the same I did last season. Forgetting that he's on the team at times, people bringing up Batum's #'s at times, and als0o Gerald Henderson's stats as he's playing well on his new team.

 

[BonesJones]

A few dickpics after his microfracture surgery

 

[BBert]

I am high on Noah's potential. The season after next. I expect him to show gradual improvement throughout this coming season and put it together the following year. Right now, he's still a kid in a man's game. He needs experience and confidence.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I WANT him to be great, but so far I've been disappointed.

He was definitely the weak link in the starting lineup:

1. We got way better when he was no longer starting.
2. Only starter with negative +/-.

He showed good 3 pt range during the summer league, and I never really saw it after that. Hopefully, he'll find his shot because he would be much more effective if he shot the 3 well.

 

[riverman]

This season was about getting him thrown into defending starting big guys across the league..he is going to be a great defender...the offense is what I think will stand out this season and improved defense. He's probably got the strongest lower body core of anyone on our roster..when he plants himself..he's a rock and his wingspan is the wingspan of a rim protector. I look forward to seeing him next season.

 

[HailBlazers]

I think the biggest knock I have on Vonleh is he just doesn't show a lot of emotion on the floor. That said the dude is not yet 21 and shows a lot of the things I want to see in a PF. A nose for the ball is #1. He manages to be a decent rebounder in very limited minutes, even as a starter. He plays decent defense etc..etc... the on real weakness is like a lot of young players his jumper always seemed rushed and fueled by the adrenaline yips. Ball just comes out of his hands hot, yet he seems to have good touch when not rushing. Gmae just needs to slow down a bit for Noah.

Reminds me of young Jermaine O'Neal.

Hope he puts in some serious work this summer (post moves & shooting stroke).

 

[Trackjack]

He need confidence he got the skill set he just need just go out play the game. Sometime young players like Noah don't like step on toes of the older players so there always that hesitation when he gets the ball in his hands. That usually means your going turn it over or miss the shot. He can't look over his shoulder at the coach by telling yourself if i mess I am going get taken out. This summer is big for him he should tear up the summer league if not than you might want trade him.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I like his defensive potential, he should at least take a Biyombo level jump this coming season. I don't expect much offense from him other than a couple dunks here and there and the occasional three.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

He's extremely raw. Still a ways away offensively. Watch how Detroit used McDyess, I think that's what Vonleh could be.

I thought he showed flashes on defense that I think he'll be our best defensive big in a year or two.

His base is so strong that he can check any center in the league. He's the type of post defender that you can't budge. His 7'4"-7'5" wingspan is a big factor here.

 

[tester551]

I picture him being like Tristan Thompson - hopefully with a better jump shot.

 

[STOMP]

like a lot of young players his jumper always seemed rushed and fueled by the adrenaline yips. Ball just comes out of his hands hot, yet he seems to have good touch when not rushing. Gmae just needs to slow down a bit for Noah.

the form on his J needs to be addressed. I can think of very few players in league history who cock the ball back so far and still shot a decent percentage. Way too much arm movement involved.

I'm hopeful about his potential but not optimistic

STOMP

 

[theprunetang]

I'm still in wait and see mode. He is still raw but with his youth and physical gifts there really is a lot of room for growth. Even if he never fully develops his offensive game he could still be our version of young Ibaka in a couple of years: put backs, offensive rebounds, dunks, weak side shot blocking, good solid post D, and the occasional wide open 3 on kickouts from double teams on our guards.

 

[Tunchi]

He's to shy. He needs to have more confidence in himself. He doesn't have that natural swag about his game where he wants to show us something. The nice ones have that.

I hope it comes but I'm not to optimistic on him. Great defender tho. His defense is nice that I'll give him

 

[TBpup]

He's to shy. He needs to have more confidence in himself. He doesn't have that natural swag about his game where he wants to show us something. The nice ones have that.

I hope it comes but I'm not to optimistic on him. Great defender tho. His defense is nice that I'll give him

I wish he was more aggressive on the offensive end as well but that is probably tough to do when you are a 20 year old starter on a team designed for you to pick for the guards so they can each get 20 shots a game. Even when he was open or pinned a mismatch from a defensive switch clear under the basket, rarely did he get the ball. So he was at least doing some of those things right.

It wasn't just Vonleh. I don't know how many times I saw Harkless come around the end of the weave and be wide-open for an alley-oop and yet never get the ball. The kid can jump out of the gym and time after time no one would throw the ball up to him.

I don't think it's too much of a lack of confidence from Vonleh as it takes attitude to D up as well as he did at times. He just knows he was the #5 option and if starts taking shots instead of getting the ball to Dame/CJ his time would have probably been even more limited.

 

[Strenuus]

I wish he was more aggressive on the offensive end as well but that is probably tough to do when you are a 20 year old starter on a team designed for you to pick for the guards so they can each get 20 shots a game. Even when he was open or pinned a mismatch from a defensive switch clear under the basket, rarely did he get the ball. So he was at least doing some of those things right.

It wasn't just Vonleh. I don't know how many times I saw Harkless come around the end of the weave and be wide-open for an alley-oop and yet never get the ball. The kid can jump out of the gym and time after time no one would throw the ball up to him.

I don't think it's too much of a lack of confidence from Vonleh as it takes attitude to D up as well as he did at times. He just knows he was the #5 option and if starts taking shots instead of getting the ball to Dame/CJ his time would have probably been even more limited.

I'm excited to see where he is 2 years from now. I'm extremely hopeful for the kid... That being said, his "ceiling" offensively here is a #3-#4 scorer (most likely #4), so realistically, do we really need him to be this big threat scoring? 10/10 from him for a season would be beautiful... almost like a younger Ed Davis with better D. I'll take that all day.

 

[Sedatedfork]

 

[Pinwheel1]

He's to shy. He needs to have more confidence in himself. He doesn't have that natural swag about his game where he wants to show us something. The nice ones have that.

I hope it comes but I'm not to optimistic on him. Great defender tho. His defense is nice that I'll give him

I really don't think this is a long term issue. I actually applaud him for not shooting too much when he was in with Dame and CJ. That was not his role at the time. Glad to see he was smart enough to see that, and not try to do too much before he was ready.
Smart players know their limitations and stupid players don't. Hopefully he will get to the point where his offensive skills will warrant some swag.

 

[blue9]

I'm excited to see where he is 2 years from now. I'm extremely hopeful for the kid... That being said, his "ceiling" offensively here is a #3-#4 scorer (most likely #4), so realistically, do we really need him to be this big threat scoring? 10/10 from him for a season would be beautiful... almost like a younger Ed Davis with better D. I'll take that all day.

With PFs - unless you get an exceptionally rare and gifted one - they should be your 3rd-5th option. So like you, I'm not so much concerned with his PPG average as I am his ability to score. As long as he develops a reliable ability to score so that defenses have to play him honestly he'll be fine. Ideally he'd have a double-digit average between 12-15 PPG so that Dame/CJ don't have to carry as much of the offensive load, but it doesn't really matter if Noah's scoring or other teammates are scoring just so long as the rest of the team as a collective becomes better at carrying the offense.

Like Tunchi and others have already touched on, I think his biggest hurdle is confidence - he doesn't have any alpha dog in him, and that's a little concerning. Obviously he's never going to be an alpha dog playing with Dame/CJ, but as a player you still need a bit of that mentality. Like Henderson, Crawford, JR Smith, etc - they should never be the best player on a team, but they have that belief in themselves that every player should have. That said, Jerm looked like a lost baby on the court when he played for us and he eventually put it together - Noah really reminds me of Blazers-era Jerm.