Noah Vonleh has made the most of his opportunity with the New York Knicks

When an NBA team is rebuilding, various players are given the opportunity to contribute and help the team. Players who have had pedestrian careers can step up and contribute when given the opportunity. If they do well, they may be able to become a part of the team in the future or latch on with another team when they become free agents.

Noah Vonleh has made the most of such an opportunity with the New York Knicks.

Vonleh is in his 6th NBA season and his first with the Knicks. Entering this season, Vonleh had averaged 4.1 pts and 4.7 rebounds per game for his career. Vonleh was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2014 NBA draft. After one season with the Hornets, Vonleh was traded to the Portland Trailblazers where he spent 3 seasons. In 2017, Vonleh was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Vonleh signed with the Knicks as a free agent after last season.

Vonleh played one season in college for the University of Indiana. At Indiana, Vonleh was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He was also voted to the All Big Ten third team by the press and the coaches of the Big Ten. While in college, Vonleh averaged 11.3 points and 9 rebounds a game.

This has been Vonleh's best season in the NBA. Vonleh is averaging 8.6 points and 8.6 rebounds a game. These are his career highs in points and rebounds. He averages 27 minutes a game and is shooting 47.2% from the field. Additionally, Vonleh has played solid defense for New York in 2018. In a Christmas Day game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Vonleh drew the difficult assignment of guarding Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even though Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, people noticed Vonleh's good effort on defense. He did his best to contain the talented Antetokounmpo.

Vonleh has been particularly good in December. On December 1st, in a game against Milwaukee, Vonleh scored 15 points and had 5 rebounds. On December 3rd, in a game against the Washington Wizards, Vonleh had 11 points and 8 rebounds. On December 6th, against the Boston Celtics, Vonleh had 12 points and 10 rebounds. On December 9th, against the Charlotte Hornets, Vonleh had 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Against the Hornets, on December 14th, Vonleh had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in what may have been his most complete game of the season.

On December 21st, against the Atlanta Hawks, Vonleh had 11 points and 10 rebounds. On Christmas Day, Vonleh had 14 points and 14 rebounds. Finally, on December 27, in another game against Milwaukee, Vonleh had 15 points and 13 rebounds. The more playing time Vonleh has received, the more he has accomplished on the floor.

Vonleh has diverse skills. He can rebound and bring the basketball across half court and pass the ball to a player on a wing. He can trail a play and finish on the offensive end. He can get proper position for a rebound and bring the ball down low, which prevents an opposing player from stealing the basketball.

Vonleh can hit a spot up open three point shot. He can receive the ball in the paint, move in between two defenders and slam dunk the basketball. He can rebound the basketball and put it in the hoop with one hand. Overall, Vonleh consistently shows good effort. Vonleh brings a lot of energy to the game.

In an interview with MSG Networks, Vonleh said "My decision to sign with the Knicks came in mid August...I'm an East Coast guy.I love New York."

Vonleh said "I factored a bunch of things in. I looked at every team's roster and saw which would be the best opportunity for me and looking at the Knicks, there is a lot of young guys on this team, former lottery picks, the kind of guys that are similar to me. And having coach Fizdale coming in, it was the best situation for me." Vonleh clearly has appreciated the opportunity that he has received in New York. He likes being a part of the New York Knicks and seems happy to have landed in New York.

Vonleh said that he and his teammates "want to bring a winning culture to New York." Vonleh had complimentary things to say about coach David Fizdale. Vonleh talked about how much he wanted to play for coach Fizdale and how much he respected him as a person and as a coach. He said that coach Fizdale "is about all the right things. He wants to come in here and change the culture, bring a winning culture to New York, and that's very exciting." Clearly, Vonleh seemed hopeful when he signed with New York. He was looking forward to playing for coach Fizdale and with his new teammates.

When talking to MSG Networks, coach Fizdale said that Vonleh "has an incredible work ethic...He is a big time athlete and he has a super high I.Q." Fizdale referred to Vonleh as a "real, real pleasant surprise."

During this season, Vonleh has become an important member of the New York Knicks. The Knicks are hoping that he will continue to contribute during this rebuilding season.

Luke Kornet may be able to help the New York Knicks in their rebuilding effort

In today's NBA, centers and power forwards are expected to be versatile. Teams would like them to be able to score on the interior and on the perimeter. Teams look for centers and power forwards who can block shots, rebounds, get ahead in the fast break and be all around good basketball players. In a word, teams want centers and power forwards to be multi-dimensional and multi-talented. In Luke Kornet, the New York Knicks may have found a player who fits this description.

On December 14th, Kornet helped the Knicks come back and defeat Charlotte Hornets. Kornet scored 13 points and had 3 blocked shots. He was able to score close to the basket and from the perimeter.

With 10:23 left in the second quarter, with the Knicks trailing 38-18, Kornet took a pass down near the basket from Mario Henzonja and was fouled in the act of shooting. Kornet made both foul shots.

With the Knicks trailing 95-82 with 10:42 left in regulation, Kornet contested a shot from a Hornets' player that missed. Then about 45 seconds later made an open three point shot to get the Knicks to within 13 points. Within a minute, Kornet showed good defense and proficiency from behind the arc.

With 9:19 remaining, Hezonja missed a shot that was rebounded by Kornet, who dunked the basketball to get the Knicks to within 11 points at 98-87.This was his 5th consecutive point.

With 7:06 remaining in the 4th quarter, Parker of the Hornets made a spin move on Kornet down near the basket, but Kornet blocked Parker's shot. With 1:42 left in regulation, Kornet made a three point shot to give the Knicks a 109-108 lead.

On overtime, with 3:33 remaining, Kornet hit a three point shot to give the Knicks a 119-115 lead. Finally, with 12.8 seconds remaining, Kornet blocked a three point attempt by Williams to preserve the 126-121 Knicks lead.

During the game, Kornet was able to score on the inside and from the outside. He was able to rebound and block shots. He showed agility and mobility. He added a lot to the Knicks overall effort. On this night, he helped them come back and win a game.

After the game against the Hornets, Kornet's results were more pedestrian. On December 16th against the Indiana Pacers, in 9 minutes of action, Kornet had 5 points and 3 rebounds. On December 17th, against the Phoenix Suns, in 14 minutes of play, Kornet scored 6 points and had 3 rebounds. He was not able to build on his performance against Charlotte.

Kornet will be challenged to duplicate his performance against Charlotte if he wants to be a permanent part of the Knicks future. In a rebuilding season, the Knicks can afford to be patient with Kornet.

Kornet played college basketball at Vanderilt. During his time at Vanderbilt, Kornet blocked more shots than any other player in school history. Additionally, no player 7 foot or taller has made more 3 point shots in NCAA history. His shot blocking ability and three point shooting skills attest to his versatility.

While at Vanderilt, Kornet averaged 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks a game during his four years in college. Kornet was not drafted by an NBA team. He signed with the Knicks in July of 2017 and played in the summer league that year. Kornet signed a two way contract with the Knicks, which meant that he could play for New York or the Knicks' G league affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. Two way contracts can only be signed by undrafted players. Drafted players are not allowed to sign two year contracts. NBA teams can have two two way players on the roster at one time.

The Knicks are going through a rebuilding season. They are developing rookies Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Austin Trier. They are also working with second year player Frank Ntilikina. Kornet is another option for the Knicks. He is another young player who they can try and develop.

The New York Knicks are doing some good things on offense

Floor balance is one of the most important concepts in basketball. A team wants all five players to be spread out at different places on the floor, so that each player has an opportunity to establish himself on offense. Additionally, in this scenario each player has an opportunity to create his own opportunities in isolation. Finally, if an offense spreads out it's players, the defensive players are spread out so they are less able to stop a key offensive performer.

The New York Knicks are trying to run the best spread offense that they possibly can. So far, the team has struggled to a 9-21 record. However, without star player Krystaps Porzingas, the Knicks were expected to struggle. Nevertheless, New York is doing their best to run a good offense.

On December 7th, in a game against the Boston Celtics, the Knicks showcased their offense. Early in the first quarter with the Knicks' players spread out into five different areas of the court, small forward Mario Hezonja, dribbled at the left wing in between two defenders and tried to make a lay up. He missed the shot, but center Enos Kanter rebounded the basketball and scored. Hezonja showed his driving ability, and Kanter was in the proper position for a rebound. Hezonja's drive to the basket made the Celtics realize what he was capable of. So, they had to guard against that possibility that he would drive again into the lane. Additionally, Kanter established himself early in the game as a rebounding presence.

On the next trip down the court, Tim Hardaway, Jr. drove into the lane from the right wing. He passed to a trailing Kanter who was unable to handle the basketball. Unfortunately, for the Knicks, the Celtics scored on a fast break opportunity. However, Hardaway and Kanter had the right idea. The play was simply not completed successfully. If Kanter had caught the basketball, he could have scored. The play showed teamwork, which is necessary for any team to be successful. Again, Boston had to be mindful that New York would try something similar later on in the game.

On the next possession, Kanter was dribbling at the top of the key towards the left wing. Hardaway, Jr., curled around the perimeter took a pass from Kanter and made a three point shot. Kanter, as a center, may have seemed out of place dribbling at the top of the key. However, he did a good job of handling the basketball and of passing it to Hardaway, Jr., who in turn did a good job of moving without the basketball and making the three point shot. The play was completed successfully, and showed excellent teamwork.

On another trip down the court, Hezonja dribbled to right wing and passed the ball to Noah Vonleh, who dribbled the basketball close to the basket and made a bank shot over a defender. Hezonja made a good decision passing the ball to Vonleh, who showed his ability to assertively take the ball to the basket. This showed the Knicks ' ability to get everyone involved in the offense. Diversity on offense gives the opposition something to think about.

Later in the quarter, Hezonja took the basketball at the left wing and drove towards the basket. Then he passed the basketball to a wide open Vonleh in back of the right wing. Vonleh made an open three point shot. This showed Boston that they should not leave Vonleh open. It also displayed Vonleh's versatility and his ability to make shots from the outside as well as from the inside.

On another possession, rookie Austin Trier, positioned in back of the three point line, took a pass from fellow rookie Kevin Knox. Trier drove toward the basket and hit a step back jump shot along the baseline. The pass from Knox to Trier, and Trier's ability to complete the play, showcased yet another example of teamwork and offensive versatility.



Later in the first quarter, point guard Mudiay tossed an alley oop pass with one hand to a leaping Mitchel Robinson, who promptly dunked the basketball. The play showed Robinson's ability to finish around the rim and Mudiay's ability to time the alley oop perfectly. Once again, the Knicks showcased their offensive versatility.

Near the end of the first quarter, Trier brought the ball down the court and drove passed the left wing, spun passed defender Gordon Haywood and made a layup for the Knicks. Trier's came off a screen set by Vonleh. The play showed the importance of picks and screens in basketball. The play also showed Trier's ability to create a shot and score in isolation.

Early in the second quarter, Trier dribbled towards the basket on the left side and passed the ball to a wide open Knox in back of the perimeter. Knox promptly passed the ball to an open Courtney Lee in the corner who made a three point shot. The play showed excellent ball movement and teamwork.

Soon after, on another play down the court, Trier dribbled towards the basket on the right side and passed the ball to Knox who made an open three point shot. So, in a short span, Knox showed his ability to pass the ball and shoot the ball in back of the perimeter.

On another play, Hardaway passed the ball to an open Damyean Dotson who missed a three point shot. However, Vonleh was in good position for a rebound. He caught the ball off of the boards and put the basketball back in the hoop. The play showed the importance of getting good position for a rebound and then finishing with a put back.



With 4:24 left in the first half, Hardaway dribbled on the left side of the court and passed the ball to Kanter who made a shot close to the basket. Kanter was able to use his strength to get a good shot. The play showed the importance of interior offense. In the modern NBA, there is a strong emphasis on perimeter offense, but a team needs good interior offense as well.

Soon afterwards, Hardway drove into the lane and passed the ball to Hezonja on the right wing. Hezonja took the basketball and drove to the right side and made a shot close to the basket. Once again the play showed Hardaway's passing ability and Hezonja's ability to drive into the lane and score. This was another good example of teamwork.

With 3:16 left in the first half, Mudiay brought the ball up the court and went by a couple of defenders by faking left and moving right. Then he drove into the lane and made a layup. The play showed Mudiay's skills as a point guard and his ability to create off the dribble.

Then, Mudiay passed the ball from the right wing to Hezonja who was positioned at the center of the perimeter. Hezonja passed the ball to Kanter who was guarded one on one by Boston's Al Horford. Kanter dribbled and backed up Horford, and then dribbled to his left and made a layup. The play showcased the low post skills of Kanter. The play once again highlighted the importance of interior offense.

In the third quarter, Mudiay dribbled along the baseline and passed the ball to Hezonja in the perimeter. Then Hezonja passed the ball to a wide open Hardaway who made a three point shot. The play showed excellent ball movement and teamwork. It also showed the importance of passing the basketball to Hardaway, jr. when he was open. He is the best shooter that the Knicks have. It's always a good idea to get the basketball to your best player.

With 7:46 remaining in the third quarter, Kanter had the basketball at the top of the key. He found an open Hardaway at the right side of the foul line. Hardaway, dribbled all the way in back of the three point line as he was guarded by Marcus Morris. Then Hardaway proceeded to make a three point shot. Once again good teamwork was on dislay. It also showed the importance of a good passing big man. Kanter's ability to handle the basketball along the perimeter and pass the ball makes him a more versatile offensive player. It also showed once again how important it is to get the ball to Hardaway, the team's best offensive player.

Later, Vonleh received a pass at the right side of the foul line and backed up his defender all the way to the basket and made a lay up. It once again showcased Vonleh's one on one skills.

With 4:54 left in the third period, Mudiay dribbled into the lane and found a trailing Kanter for a lay up. The play showed the different options that a point guard has when he drives into the lane. Mudiay could have tried a shot. He could have tried to pass the ball to a player who may have been open along the perimeter or he could have tried to shoot a shot. Instead, he spotted Kanter who was open and moving towards the basket. Mudiay made the right decision with the basketball. Decision making ability is important for a point guard.

Towards the end of the third period, Dotson hit a fadeaway shot around the foul line. Dotson a back up player is capable of providing points off of the bench. Good back ups are important especially when they can score in isolation. Dotson dribbled close to the right side of the foul line and then backed up and made the fadeaway shot. The defender had to guard against the possible drive to the basket, but Dotson was able to adjust and make a fadeaway shot.

In the fourth period, Knox dribbled the ball to the center of the perimeter and passed the ball to Lee who was positioned on the left wing of the perimeter. Lee dribbled the basketball to the center of the perimeter and passed the ball to Dotson who curled around the right side just in front of the perimeter. In one motion, Dotson made a jump shot just inside the arc. The play showed the importance of ball movement and moving without the basketball. It was a well designed play and a well completed play. Good job for the Knicks.

Later in the fourth quarter, Dotson tried a three point shot in back of the left side of the perimeter. The shot missed. However, Hardaway went up strong for the rebound and made a shot. It showed the importance of guards rebounding as well as the centers and power forwards. Good guards try to position themselves for rebounds as well. Good guards try to be complete players who can score, dribble, pass, play defense and rebound. In this case, Hardaway made a good play to give the Knicks a second chance opportunity. Then Hardaway converted the opportunity.

With 5:16 left in regulation, Vonleh drove into the lane and missed a shot. However, Robinson was there to rebound and make the put back. Robinson got proper position and converted the scoring opportunity. A team needs centers and power forwards to establish proper position under the basket to give the team second chance opportunities. In this case, that is what Robinson did.

In this game, the Celtics routed the Knicks 128-100. The Knicks played porous defense and missed too many shots. The game showed that the Knicks continue to be a work in progress. They still need to convert more open shots and play much better defense. They are still a team finding their way.

However, the Knicks did many good things that show they have potential to improve. The Knicks need to continue to work on their defense and offensive execution. Nevertheless, the Knicks are accomplishing some good things this year despite their 9-21 record. The team needs to build on those good things in order to improve in the standings.

The New York Knicks miss Krystaps Prozingas

In the first half of this season, the NY Knicks have faced many issues. The most important issue has been the injury to Krystaps Porzingas. During the 2017-18 season, Porzingas tore his ACL in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. At first, he was supposed to return after 9 months. However, his injury has still not healed. Prozingas has not traveled with the team, but he has gone to home practices and home games.

He has still been an important member of the team, but he has been unable to suit up for the Knicks. Clearly, the Knicks miss his scoring and his rebounding. Entering the season, Porzingas averaged 17.8 points a game and 7.1 rebounds. For his career, Porzingas has made 36.1% of his three point attempts. So, Porzingas has been a threat to score on the interior and the perimeter. It is simply difficult to replace that kind of player.

Porzingas was an excellent draft pick by the Knicks in the 2015 NBA draft. The Latvian sensation was an excellent player with the Latvia youth national team. Former president of basketball operations, Phil Jackson, made the right decision to draft him. Porzingas, when healthy, is a kind of player that teams can build around. He is 7'3 and capable of protecting the rim, rebounding and scoring from multiple places on the court. Porzingas’ versatility and talent is difficult to replace.

Porzingas’ skills are considerable. He can square up on a defender and make a mid range jump shot. He can run into the lane, receive a pass and score near the basket. He can catch an alley ooh pass with one hand and dunk the ball.

Porzingas can post up a defender and shoot over him from mid range. He can make bank shots over defenders. Porzingas can pass the ball to a player on the wing and then post up for a jump shot. He can dribble to his left and right while he is guarded and make a fade-away jump shot over a defender.

Porzingas can take a pass and move to the other side of the lane and make a shot over the defender. He can make a shot a foot or two behind the arc. Additionally, Porzingas can catch a pass in the paint and dunk with authority with one hand.

He can make a shot while being double teamed under the basket even while he is being fouled, which can result in a three point play.

Porzingas works hard on defense as well. He contests shots and tries to keep his man in front of him. He has excellent shot blocking ability. In a game last season against Indiana, Porzingas blocked 6 shots. Porzingas tries to be a complete players, which is something that any team can benefit from.

The Knicks have simply not been able to replace him this season. Noah Vonleh is a good power forward, but he does not have the scoring ability that Prozingas has. However, Vonleh should be given credit for his 8.6 rebounds a game this year. He has been a force around the basket.

Enes Kanter has played well at the center position this year. Kanter averages 14.9 points a game and 11.7 rebounds a game. He has been a scoring threat and a good rebounder this year. However, Kanter does not have the versatility of Porzingas. When Porzingas gets back from his injury, Kanter and Porzingas will form a strong starting front line.

Tim Hardaway, Jr., has shouldered much of the scoring load this season in Porzingas' absence. Hardaway Jr. is averaging 22.1 points per game. Hardaway, Jr. has been the most consistent scorer for New York this season. When Porzingas gets back, he will combine with Hardaway, Jr., and Kanter to form a strong "big three" that will help the Knicks to win games.

In Porzingas' absence, the Knicks are developing three rookies - Alonzo Trier, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. All three have worked hard this season and are doing their best to develop their game. When Porzingas gets back, he will benefit from the progress of these three rookies. These three young players have helped the Knicks to become a more complete team.

Various reports have indicated that there is no timetable for Porzingas' return. However, when he does return, the Knicks will be glad to have him back.

In a rebuilding year, the New York Knicks are developing three talented rookies

The 2018-19 season is a developmental year for the New York Knicks. As they struggle without Krystaps Prozingas, their best player, the Knicks are developing their young players. Last off season, the Knicks drafted three rookies - Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Alonzo Trier. The Knicks are trying to develop them as the team attempts to remain competitive this season. Coach David Fizdale and his staff are doing their best to develop their rookies and their other young players.

Developing young players while trying to remain competitive is a difficult balancing act. On the one hand, the coach must encourage the players to be successful on the court in all situations. The players must be efficient on the offensive and defensive end. Offensively, the player must avoid turnovers and score. Defensively, the player must rebound, switch on defense and not let his man score. However, simultaneously, the coach must show patience as the rookie player goes through growing pains.

Knox is the more celebrated of the three rookies. The 9th overall pick in the first round of last year's draft, Knox played only one year at Kentucky. He was drafted as a 19 year old. Some scouts have criticized him as being soft and uninterested in basketball. Fizdale defended Knox and reminded the critics of how young Knox is. Also, Fizdale emphasized that New York city is one of the biggest markets in the United States. So, Knox needed some time to adjust. Fizdale urged patience for Knox and the other young players.

Knox played only one year at the University of Kentucky. Knox averaged 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds a game. Knox shot 45% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. Knox played in his first game for New York on October 17th. Knox scored 10 points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks. On October 19th, Knox played his best game as a Knick. Knox scored 17 points and had 6 rebounds in a close loss against the cross town rival Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, on October 20th, Knox sprained his ankle in a loss against the Boston Celtics.

Knox had a break out game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 1st. Knox scored 26 points off of the bench. He made 5 three point shots and helped the Knicks to defeat the Bucks 136-134 in over time.

Against Milwaukee, Knox's offensive skills were evident. Knox hit 5 three point shots from different places on the court. He made a shot from the corner and a few from the top of the arc. He curled around the top of the key, took a pass and drove into the lane for a layup. In transition, he got ahead of the field and finished with a layup. Knox took a pass from behind the arc, stepped up and made a long two point shot. On offense, Knox moved well with and without the basketball. He showed fluidity and poise. Defensively, he added a blocked shot. The game against Milwaukee showed why New York took him in the first round of the draft.

Mitchell Robinson is a good young shot blocker. In one game, on November 11th, in a game against the Orlando Magic, Robinson had a rookie record 9 block shots! Unfortunately, in another game, Robinson fouled out in 9 minutes. Such sporadic play is common for rookies and other young players. However, Robinson shows good potential as a rim protector and shot blocker. The Knicks would do well to be patient with his development.

Robinson was a good player in high school, but did not play in college. While at Western Kentucky University, Robinson was suspended for violating team rules. So, Robinson did not attend college and decided to enter the 2018 NBA draft. Robinson was selected with the 36th overall pick by the Knicks.

Robinson played in his first game for the Knicks on October 17th. Robinson only had 2 points in a win against the Atlanta Hawks. On October 26th, Robinson started for the Knicks in a game against Golden State. Robinson scored 7 points and had 6 rebounds. On November 2nd, Robinson scored 13 points and had 10 rebounds in a 118-106 win against the Dallas Mavericks.

Robinson still needs to develop an offensive game. He has some shot blocking and rebounding skills, but he must become a more complete player. Since he is only 20 years old and lacks experience playing in college, Robinson will need time to develop. The Knicks should see a big improvement from this year to next year. In a rebuilding season, Robinson should get enough playing time to improve his offensive game and his overall consistency. The Knicks should invest time in Robinson's development. He should be able to provide interior defense and protection around the rim.

Trier played college basketball at the University of Arizona. Trier was not drafted by an NBA team. The Knicks signed him after the draft. His contract allowed him to split time between the New York Knicks and the Westchester Knicks - New York's team in the G league, which is a developmental league.

At the University of Arizona, Trier averaged 18.8 points per game and 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. In New York, Trier is averaging 11.7 points per game in almost 24 minutes a game. Trier has provided some depth to the Knicks' bench.

In a game against the Detroit Pistons, Trier had 24 points. Trier showed some of the skills that make him a valuable contributor to the Knicks. Early in the game, Trier dribbled to the top of the key, performed a head fake against the defender and made a shot. Trier showed passing ability against Detroit. Trier drove into the lane and dished off to Kanter for an easy bucket underneath. Trier completed a perfect bounce pass to a player in the lane. Trier performed an excellent spin move against a defender before he drove into the lane for a lay up. Against Detroit, Trier showed athleticism, passing ability, sound shot selection and good teamwork.

In a game against the Brooklyn Nets, he displayed offensive profiency. Trier created his own shot a few times. He dribbled around defenders and made open shots at the foul line. He showed decent head fakes against the defenders. Trier drove into the lane and drew the foul, which resulted in a three point play. Trier scored off of fast breaks. He did a good job of getting past defenders and was able to finish off the break. Additionally, Trier had a blocked shot on defense.

The Knicks may be rebuilding. However, going through a rebuilding year has enabled New York to develop three talented rookies. This will benefit the Knicks and those players both now and in the future.