I like what I see in Biggie and Collins. I don't like Aminu at the 4 as a starter. But, I still think Vonleh is the best RIGHT NOW to start at PF when he comes back. Vonleh defends better than everyone except Aminu, and he is a more versatile scorer than all of them--except Biggie if he is having a good game. However, because of his contract situation, and needing to extend Nurk, I hope somebody young passes him up this year (Swanigan or Collins). But, from what I have seen in the pre-season, I think Vonleh is our best PF for now. https://www.blazersedge.com/2017/10/11/16463460/noah-vonleh-injury-news-portland-trail-blazers
My only reservation with Vonleh is that he seems so passive on offense. It's fine that he's OK being the fifth wheel on the starting unit, but he needs to at least be a "wheel" when he's out there. It felt like they were playing 4 on 5 at times last year.
I disagree. I haven't seen anything from Vonleh that would make me think he's better than Swanigan or Collins.
I didn't think he was that passive at the end of the season. In April he had games where he was 6-8, 6-9, 5-8..... He seemed to be breaking out of his passiveness as a starter.
I think we’re making guesses based on Vonleh/Nurk Vonleh and preseason Collins/Biggie. Neither situation provides an optimal view. I’ll be curious how the rooks look when things get real. Also how Vonleh does without having a training camp/preseason-does he immediately step up or does he struggle? Gramps...
Stotts going have to make hard decision to make who going to be in his front court rotation. Due to Swanigan and Collins and Davis and Aminu all show enough to get minutes. With Vonleh coming back that another front court player the properly deserve minutes. I know Collins and Davis can get minutes at center but it will be hard decision for Stotts and his coaching staff.
Vonleh is a taller, more athletic, less aggressive version of Swanigan. I don't think anyone would doubt Vonleh covers the perimeter better than Biggie. Vonleh also is a bit better presence against taller post players. I saw Swanigan looking a bit short in some matchups the past few games. Vonleh is also second only to Harkless in those sweet Nurkic back door plays. Honestly, I like Swanigan, but I don't think he will ever be the defender Vonleh is (or will be). Collins is probably already a better defender, and if he keeps taking proper shots is the most likely to displace Vonleh to me--but Collins still needs some seasoning and will probably get eaten alive a few games by experienced PFs.
Its going to be very logjammed at the 4 when he comes back. Especially if Biggie and Collins impress( not that they akready aren't) within the window of time he is gone. Its going yo be up to Stotts to go by either srnority or talent. I hope he chooses the latter.
We always hope for the development to come right away and then get slapped with reality. It's just how life is. Vonleh for another year or so is a good thing. The rooks need to come off the bench and learn from experience. At the trade deadline they will reevaluate to see if we need to make a change. Vonleh's contract at that time will come into play. If the rooks aren't ready maybe they keep him. If not....
I read the Nuggets board a lot at the end of last season when we were fighting them for 8 seed. Many posters there said that they think Vonleh will become a legit DPOY candidate. What do you think?