30 Point Threshold - Noah Vonleh Thread

[ball teacher]

Ok, I knew he had a decent shot but I didnt know he was a stretch 4. What do you think about the whole character issue thing?

I'm not aware of Vonleh having character issues. The guy look like a primitive choir boy if you ask me from looking at his demeanor. Can you link me to the piece that speaks on his character issues? If anything, he might have the same character issues that people thought Andre Drummond had as a player with a questionable lackluster motor at the collegiate level, but I think a lot changes and opens up as these players get under professional tutelage and training

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops · 11h
Our @MikeAScotto reports that the #Celtics passed on Noah Vonleh (@NoahVonleh) due to character concerns. http://wp.me/p1Ogzi-k02

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 11h
Interesting... “@sheridanhoops: Our @MikeAScotto reports that the #Celtics passed on Noah Vonleh (@NoahVonleh) due to character concerns.”

Jon Krusen ‏@jkrusen0912 11h
@Spaskal22 valid point. I don't know why Vonleh shot up all these mocks to begin with. Over love for measurables

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 12h
Am I a bad IU fan for not caring at all about where Vonleh gets drafted? Seems like a nice guy, wish him well, but I just don't really care

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 11h
Whatever, DJ White is still the best Hoosier on Charlotte's roster. #iubb

This Indiana fan really wasnt impressed with Vonleh for some reason. And the fact that he was the last of the lottery bound big men picked has me a little worried. For Boston to say Smart's character >>> Vonleh's character has me pretty nervous lol

[mrknowitall215]

Ok, I knew he had a decent shot but I didnt know he was a stretch 4. What do you think about the whole character issue thing?

I'm not aware of Vonleh having character issues. The guy look like a primitive choir boy if you ask me from looking at his demeanor. Can you link me to the piece that speaks on his character issues? If anything, he might have the same character issues that people thought Andre Drummond had as a player with a questionable lackluster motor at the collegiate level, but I think a lot changes and opens up as these players get under professional tutelage and training

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops · 11h
Our @MikeAScotto reports that the #Celtics passed on Noah Vonleh (@NoahVonleh) due to character concerns. http://wp.me/p1Ogzi-k02

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 11h
Interesting... “@sheridanhoops: Our @MikeAScotto reports that the #Celtics passed on Noah Vonleh (@NoahVonleh) due to character concerns.”

Jon Krusen ‏@jkrusen0912 11h
@Spaskal22 valid point. I don't know why Vonleh shot up all these mocks to begin with. Over love for measurables

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 12h
Am I a bad IU fan for not caring at all about where Vonleh gets drafted? Seems like a nice guy, wish him well, but I just don't really care

Jon Krusen @jkrusen0912 · 11h
Whatever, DJ White is still the best Hoosier on Charlotte's roster. #iubb

This Indiana fan really wasnt impressed with Vonleh for some reason. And the fact that he was the last of the lottery bound big men picked has me a little worried. For Boston to say Smart's character >>> Vonleh's character has me pretty nervous lol

I could care less about what a bitter fan that think D.J. White is better than Cody Zeller and Vonleh. The IU fan probably was just disappointed in Vonleh's freshman season amid some hype and the fact that they didn't make the NCAA Tournament the same way I was about Andre Drummond's as a UConn fan but he isn't wise enough to look over some sensitivities due to his emotion

Why would I be wary of some unknown character issues about Vonleh reported by the Celtics who ultimately went on to draft the notorious hot tempered Marcus Smart anyway?

Thanks for the links though. Definitely something to look into

[ARHornet]

I like Vonleh, but I'm interested to see what we do now. Is Zeller or Biz on the way out? Do we bring McBov back or can Vonleh or Zeller start?

Personally, I prefer dropping Zeller and keeping McBob but I don't know that the front office agrees. I'm really interested to see what our big man lineup looks like to open the season.

[mrknowitall215]

I like Vonleh, but I'm interested to see what we do now. Is Zeller or Biz on the way out? Do we bring McBov back or can Vonleh or Zeller start?

Personally, I prefer dropping Zeller and keeping McBob but I don't know that the front office agrees. I'm really interested to see what our big man lineup looks like to open the season.

I think Cho is heavily vested in Biyombo as his 1st baby. It might've been Higgins that was questionable about Biyombo in the front office from a simple logic that his raw numbers were blah. Neither of Vonleh nor Zeller are legitimate centers, but I think Biyombo is despite his 6'9" stature that I think has actually grown since being drafted. Cho trading the dust chip of Haywood away so soon in such fashionably timing make me believe that Biyombo is here to stay, because that kept reason for keeping Biyombo into perspective from depth standpoint at the least

The big questions to me however are what will Cho do with McRoberts in free agency, and is Zeller still in the plans?

It's going to be a interesting free agency with this much cap space and a solid core already under contract (including the rookies). Do Cho & Co. go subtly after Lance Stephenson or do they become A-list aggressors in play for the Carmelo Anthony's of the world? or do they go ultra conservative, and be content with just signing solid backups for depth?

[ARHornet]

I agree, though I'm of the opinion that Cho values Zeller more than Biz. I just personally can not see Zeller playing center because of his lack of strength. And I view Vonleh as an upgrade to him, so I don't know where he fits. But I also can't see Cho just giving him up.

I just wonder who the odd man out is. Because if we really want to win now, Vonleh or Zeller can not start. So if you bring back McBOb, or another vet PF to start, one of Biz or Zeller is either on the bench or on the block.

[W_HAMILTON]

I was reading on the General Board about how a lot of people were picking the Kings as one of the losers of the draft, and a lot were saying that Vonleh would have been a perfect pick for them based on their needs; I thought that maybe he didn't work out for them either, but it looks like he did. It sort of worries me if Vonleh would have been a much better fit for them, they saw him work out in person, and yet they passed on him to draft someone they never worked out......

[ARHornet]

I wouldn't concern myself with the Kings passing on a player. They aren't exactly the most functional franchise.

[mrknowitall215]

I doubt and at the same time I pray it's not Biyombo. I think a future frontcourt duo of Biyombo-Vonleh as dual rim protectors with grit is a lot more dangerous than the softness of a Zeller-Vonleh frontcourt if I'm a opposing team looking at the outlook. I think Cho will let them play it out at the moment to see who 'earns' the playing time unless the right trade come knocking at the Hornets' front office door for Zeller or Biyombo

As far as Zeller, do Charlotte just abandon trying to make him a 'stretch 4' now that they have one in Vonleh, or do they continue the project/experiment?

I wonder if Cho will extend Biyombo or allow him to become a RFA next season to gauge his value. I think he'll do the latter, personally, but it might be wise to extend him to a very cheap deal (i.e. 3-years/$13 million) if it's possible. That's not bad value for a 21 year old that's already proven to be among the elite in all advanced rim protection statistics in his first 3 years in the league as a extremely raw talent

[mrknowitall215]

I was reading on the General Board about how a lot of people were picking the Kings as one of the losers of the draft, and a lot were saying that Vonleh would have been a perfect pick for them based on their needs; I thought that maybe he didn't work out for them either, but it looks like he did. It sort of worries me if Vonleh would have been a much better fit for them, they saw him work out in person, and yet they passed on him to draft someone they never worked out......

The Kings passed on hometown product(s) Klay Thompson in 2011 for Jimmer Fredette, and then followed that up by passing on Damian Lillard in 2012 for Thomas Robinson during a period when they needed a shooting guard & point guard respectively. I wouldn't concern myself with the dysfunction of the Sacramento Kings choices

[12footrim]

What's wrong with some of you guys. This guy is probably the steal of the draft at 9 and fits perfectly with Jefferson.

He's 6-10, 250, doesn't turn 19 years old until September and has the measurable. Again the guy is 18, what kind of character issues could he really have, he's just a kid.

7-4+ wingspan
37 inch vert
9' Standing reach

He didn't play tons of minutes at Indiana, why I don't know but when he did get to play he was highly highly productive. Great rebounder, blocks shots, hits 3's (49%) and jumpers at high rates, what's not to like. Seems like a perfect fit with Jefferson to create space.

[Bassman]

I FINALLY GOT MY GUY IN A CHARLOTTE DRAFT! It is Destiny!

The Hornets return, we get one of the best talents in the draft who falls into our lap!

I need a cigarette....

I immediately thought of you tonight at the Draft Party at Time Warner Arena. Lance is the other shoe (fingers crossed).

Thanks Master! I wish we could have had both Noah and Nik. Indeed, adding Lance would make us the future rulers of the East and eventual contenders for a title.

On Vonleh, many have already noted his strengths and weaknesses. He can be all-star good with time and development. The kid is 18, and still growing into his body. He has all the building blocks to excel; excellent shot mechanics for a big man, works the post well with either hand, strong defender, shoots with range and accuracy, runs the floor very well, good handle for a big, etc. With training he should be able to add strength to his frame, especially lower body, which will help his explosiveness. His shot can gain a quicker release, but again that is something that can be developed versus fixing a broken stroke. As he grows up, gets more mature and learns from his team/coaches, he will gain assertiveness.

Imagine how much Noah will benefit from Big Al's teaching and leadership! I also think they will keep Cody and continue his development. Noah is the guy with real star potential, but if Cody grows and adds to his skill set with physical strength, they could team up to be our long term future.

[Snidely FC]

I just wanted somebody who you could call a Ballplayer. This kid has huge upside but right now he's got a limited bbIQ and seems kind of passive (the learning curve kind of passive, like Zeller, he doesn't know what to do).
I think a lot of you are going to be frustrated when he's dropping passes and missing the right play. He's going to need several yrs at least.
He's only 6'9, not 6'11 like Bosh. He shot a high % from 3 but how many 3pt shots did he even take? A slow release in the NBA can make a pretty stroke useless (see Jeff Taylor). He only shoots 70% free throws.
I don't know, I still just don't get taking him when he replicates McBob and Zeller and a need for a wing shooter was so much more.
He blew off working out for us.
He's young so I hope he develops into what everyone thinks he should. He's a Hornet now so I will root for him.

[chabber]

My guess is that we bring McJesus back as long as we don't use our cap on bigger signings. I don't see why we'd put one of our young bigs on the block unless they'd bring back a valuable piece.

Sure someone will have to ride the pine, probably Biz eventually, but we will have legit depth down low for the first time since what 2010? Difference is, this time it's filled with young players. No pussyfoot and no Theo Ratliffs corpse.

I wouldn't be shocked if Vonleh and Zeller were the backups with Vonleh getting the job of guarding the Center once he gets used to the speed of the game. There aren't a lot of teams with Pekovic's type centers around the league and Vonleh seems like he will excel at post defense.

[mrknowitall215]

I don't know, I still just don't get taking him when he replicates McBob and Zeller and a need for a wing shooter was so much more.

I know he's not Doug McDermott, but P.J. Hairston is a pretty solid wing shooter. What do you think of Hairston's prospects as I can see that you're a Tar Heels fan? I didn't pay much attention to those UNC teams during Hairston's freshman and sophomore campaigns

[Elden Payton]

The pick is just an absolute automatic no brainer, there was not a single player available at nine that has the potential of Vonleh.

I wanted Randle but apparently so did Kupchak, not much that can be done about that.

Character concerns are meh, we just selected P.J freaking Hairston.

[Bassman]

I don't know, I still just don't get taking him when he replicates McBob and Zeller and a need for a wing shooter was so much more.

I know he's not Doug McDermott, but P.J. Hairston is a pretty solid wing shooter. What do you think of Hairston's prospects as I can see that you're a Tar Heels fan? I didn't pay much attention to those UNC teams during Hairston's freshman and sophomore campaigns

I think Hariston is an asset they liked from his D-League tape and his workout. He has NBA length and size, a good shot, and upside potential. As things stand today he would compete with Hendo for starter minutes. I think they are targeting Lance as their #1 FA. Doesn't mean we can get him at the price we can live with. If we do, THEN strategy might change down the road. Hendo has some value but his contract is high for a role player. Ideally we could trade him for a SF who can back up Hyphen and bring a quality shooting option. Still have to sign a back-up PG.

[W_HAMILTON]

The IU fan probably was just disappointed in Vonleh's freshman season amid some hype and the fact that they didn't make the NCAA Tournament

They didn't even make the tournament? .................................

[Elden Payton]

The IU fan probably was just disappointed in Vonleh's freshman season amid some hype and the fact that they didn't make the NCAA Tournament

They didn't even make the tournament? .................................

I don't think they even made the NIT.

Not completely sure though.

[mrknowitall215]

The IU fan probably was just disappointed in Vonleh's freshman season amid some hype and the fact that they didn't make the NCAA Tournament

They didn't even make the tournament? .................................

Correct, they didn't even make the NCAA Tournament, nor did they receive a invite to the NIT (aka Not In Tournament). Their season was a major disappointment. I've experienced a similar season as a UConn fan though with Andre Drummond though, so it's no biggie to me

[vorbis]

couldn't sleep so i've been hunting down and watching some game footage of vonleh all night. it's really not accurate to call him raw IMO. a comment earlier in the thread of saying he was unrefined is more on the money i think. (quibbles about semantics here will be ignored ) he's got some skills that are pretty easy to take for granted. he's a legitimately impactful rebounder who spots and fights for the board, and he is very comfortable with the dribble, even though he has some awkward footwork at times. his issues catching the ball, which might strike fear in the heart of those who lament that about biyombo, are more about moving too fast or lapsing concentration than hand-eye coordination. i don't see why he can't sort that out fairly quickly. he's lightyears ahead of where biyombo was, that's for sure (but then biyombo always was about tools rather than skills).

i think the bosh comparisons are actually headed in the right direction. he seems to be a little more dribble-drive oriented than bosh, but also a more refined rebounder. those saying he desperately needs to add strength are underestimating what he's got, i think. he's actually got the lower body strength right now to try some post moves. i'll be interested to see how that part of his game develops. bosh was always a little more on the elbow than banging down low. you see similar stubbornness in how he was used for indiana to how zeller was used. utilized for functionality of the half court offense rather than maximizing his skill set. yeah there's a slight height difference between bosh and vonleh but i think they can have a similar affect on games.

as for where he fits, i think that's a valid curiosity. mcroberts had a big chunk of default minutes coming his way, but now it's harder to squeeze him in. biyombo still has a place on this team. in fact, i think it's pretty safe to say he's got a long NBA career ahead of him. i know he gets criticized a lot, and i've come around to accepting those criticisms more than i used to, but athletic bigs who can protect the rim, provide solid post defense and run the floor are very hard to come by. it's hard for me to see the hornets giving him up without a) biyombo playing himself out of their price range, or b) selling high and gaining a real asset or two for him. he's just too young and with room to continue development.

that said, biyombo's firmly behind jefferson right now in the rotation. maybe there's a handful more DNPs next season but i doubt he disappears. as for vonleh, i think he's got a far more appropriate skill set for the starting lineup than zeller right now. i agree that he's probably not ready to take on that role right now, so perhaps this is where you can fit mcroberts in. right now vonleh can lay some dumb fouls so that will be something to watch for in slotting minutes for him in the rotation. i do think it's important to give zeller steady minutes next season, and i think in the eyes of the coaching staff he earned that with his improved play after the all star break.