Back in 2018, When Noah Bonley Joined the Knickshe finally understood everything and blossomed into the player everyone expected.
The former No. 9 pick averaged 8.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals, earning praise from then-head coach David Fizdale.
Fizdale told reporters at the time, “He got a lot of publicity for being a high school graduate, but I didn’t know how versatile he was.”
At that point, Vonleh seemed likely to have a long and fruitful career as a productive role player. That season felt like the real beginning, not the end. But as it turns out, 2018-19 was the pinnacle, and it’s been downhill since then. vonley Scoreless in four games with the Nets two seasons ago before going overseas.
Last season, in 28 games with the Shanghai Sharks, he averaged 14.4 points and 9.2 rebounds while hitting 38.9% of his 3s. Now he’s trying to prove he’s still in the NBA. celtics A team that can use another serviceable backup.
The 6-foot-10 rim runner Vonley will be 27 in a few weeks and should theoretically be in his prime. The Haverhill native is also back at home, which will give him even more of an impact and make him an easy target for Celtics fans to back up.
This is a one-year training camp contract, so there is absolutely no risk. All it takes to revitalize your career is one more team that trusts you.
As the roster currently stands, the Celtics have Robert Williams, Al Horford, and Grant Williams as the big rock to see playing time. Newly signed forward Danilo Gallinari and even Jayson Tatum could secure four minutes.
If Vonley could play anywhere like he did in New York a few years ago, he could be the best of those options. He finishes in traffic, runs relatively well on the floor, is an above average defender, steps out and he can shoot 3, hustle, rebound at high levels and make a lot of mistakes. plug. Vonley is strong in the pick-and-roll alongside Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White, and could provide a lob threat with Robert Williams.
Though he’s been a little out of the league, he’s played 339 games in the NBA and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He’s someone who can fit in, and if he’s playing to his full potential, he doesn’t hurt his team.
Robert Williams is bouncy but not yet a reliable shooter. No one on the roster has Vonleh’s skill combination. The truth is that Robert Williams and Horford could miss time due to injury or rest, and Vonley could take their place.
Cornette will probably run a little bit, but there’s no reason Vonley shouldn’t be stealing that time and becoming the ninth or tenth man on this team.
Vonley must be thrilled with the opportunity. It’s a chance to play for a candidate in his hometown, with a roster that needs what he can offer. This is the best opportunity he’s going to get and all he has to do is maximize it.
