As a clueless rookie, Leonard managed to get onto the court for over 1200 minutes. Vonleh made it onto the court for 260. He wasn't even good enough to get minutes in garbage time. I understand the need to find something to be hopeful about, but c'mon!
He had surgery right before the season and missed training camp that put him behind which for an 18 year old rookie is a big thing. (See CJ except he was 22)
I get so excited by young players, always thinking they are going to be great. I think that again here. Usually, I'm proven wron, but I just can't help myself, I'm an optimist when in comes to Blazer young blood.
NV: 6'8" | 6'9.75 w/shoes | 247 lbs | 7'4.25" ws | 9'0" reach | 12'1" max reach | 18 y/o LA: 6'10"| 6'11.25" w/shoes| 234 lbs | 7'4.75" ws | 9'2" reach | 12'0" max reach | 20 y/o Noah measures up favorably to LA while being two years younger. It'll be interesting if we can get some updated numbers on Noah.
You know after looking at his stats. I can't help but think Thomas Robinson. If the end result of Noah Vonleh is equal to the end result of Thomas Robinson the day we traded him. I'm going to be disappointed. I still think you could got more for Nic. Just another area I didn't feel Neil worked hard enough to get.
Vonleh is more polished offensively than Robinson. Noah has a better touch around the rim and is a better shooter. While he is not as explosive athletically as Robinson, he is slightly bigger and longer. I think he's going to have a much bigger impact here than T-Rob did, but we'll see. I can't wait to see him in summer league.
I think a lot of what stopped Thomas was more mental. There was something there that was keeping him down. As long as Noah doesn't have this problem. There should be incremental improvement each and every year.
I think you're right. The mental aspect of the game is huge. Robinson's basketball IQ seemed kind of low. He had some good basketball instincts (good passer for a PF, great rebounder), but his decision making on the court was definitely lacking. I remember hearing reports that TRob couldn't remember all the plays and didn't know where to be on defense. So if Vonleh can figure out the game at the NBA level, I think he could eventually a very good starter on our team.
I'm starting to come to the same conclusion that others have earlier; that while Vonleh send to have all the tools, he simply doesn't know how to play the game, at least at the professional level. I no longer expect anything from him this season, except significant team deficits when he plays.
Vonleh is a project. We'll need the virtue of patience with him, but I think he can be a border line All-star in a few years.
