People need to just let Vonleh mature and adjust to the speed of the game. He barely saw the floor as a very-young rookie and we're just seven games into the season. Not every good player dominates in their first three years, let alone Day 1. He's got tools. Give him time.
I concur. When I watch Vonleh play, I see him do all this great stuff that's thoroughly ineffective because he's always a half second early or late. Not that there's any guarantee that he'll ever adjust to the speed of the game, but it looks to me like he's worth waiting for.
Vonleh is super raw. In their freshman year Vonleh and Randle were looked at as similar prospects - skilsets and body types. The HUGE difference? Randle is an alpha dog. That's something that you can't teach.
Who watched Vonleh and Randle in college and thought they were similar players? The huge difference is they are not similar...at all. Vonleh is/was/wanted to be a SF at one point; super athletic, great size and length. Very raw. In college, his game was hardly centered around his post game. Julius "Zbo" Randle is the opposite of that. Not great length, not great athletic ability but wayyyyy better footwork than Noah and was way more of a grinder in the post. Scorer mentality. Give Vonleh time; he is getting used to his body and true position. Julius Randle did that in college and before.
Seen Vonleh with prime position, literally right under the basket - all he has to do is power up, yet, he decides to do a spin move?? Plays unsure, doesn't use his strength and hesitates. Definitely needs a LOT of work.
Actually he is, he's just not allowed to really show off yet bc the coaches have made him concentrate on certain things/basics/not to do too much yet & he IS holding himself back bc he doesn't want to make mistakes; u can tell that he lacks confidence right now in his 3's & when he makes more athletic drives towards the rim (not surprised, I & I'm sure others expected this). He can jump decent for a big & every1 will see what athleticism some of us are talking about once he gets more comfortable; I promise in practice, our guys see Noah make some very impressive athletic plays (w/ regards to offense). I've said this a few times before, just as a few others have in here too, patience, Noah will be fine/a great addition/contributor to our team
All i want from Vonleh this season are flashes of competence, a demonstration that he is coachable, and better comfort at NBA speed. So far I've seen flashes and he seems coachable. with only 7 games on the books, i'm quite hopeful that he will gain comfort.
You/we will get all that you asking for ^ His development will kind of be like our team as a whole, ebbs & flows; although Noah's ebbs & flows will be a bit different & @ a slower clip. I don't think it will be until a few weeks after the All-Star break that we'll start to see him be/look fairly comfortable & be trusted for more minutes/in for more crucial possessions/plays (I don't think he'll be ready for any game winners THIS yr. BUT he might be in for critical free throws simply bc other than Meyers, our other bigs are so much worse; of all these bigs, I think Noah has the best chance in dramatically improving his ft shooting also).
Anyone who expects anything from Noah this season is guaranteed to be disappointed. He is playing purely for developmental reasons not because he's particularly useful on the court. That shows the coaches/management think he's worth developing. He's a project. Going to have to wait and see and hope for the best.
very, very RAW as many thought, hope to see some improvement by end of year, he does not appear a guy who is going to "burst" on the scene
Saw a Jermaine comparison earlier (in terms of raw ability, but sucks at present). I see it. Want to see Cliff play as well.
Look we gave Batum what 7 years or more (I don't remember exact) and you want to write this guy off after 7 games with us? Let's table this until game 82
I'm fine with what little I've seen of Vonleh so far. Still very, very young, very raw, but I still think there's a chance he could bloom into a helluva player in 3 years.
Vonleh has the skills. His shot has great form and it will start dropping once his confidence gets going. Also, I love his ability to put the ball on the floor and take his man off the dribble. I think everyone just needs to give him some time. This is essentially his rookie season and we're eight games in. Look at how long it took CJ and Meyers to produce at this level. Not every young player is as ready as Lillard right out of the gate to put up numbers.
