New York Knicks: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Adding Noah Vonleh

The last free agent signing for the Knicks in 2018 was athletic forward Noah Vonleh. The ninth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft is going to play for his fourth team in four years as a pro, but is a high-energy player who rebounds at a high rate.

Vonleh began his career with the Charlotte Hornets but had a rough rookie season, only playing 25 games and shooting less than 40 percent from the field. In the offseason, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he made a name for himself as an energy guy who could rebound the ball in spurts. Last season, they traded him to the Chicago Bulls where he improved on his offensive game by adding the 3-point shot to his arsenal. Unfortunately, this didn’t really help as his offensive game is still very limited.

With the injury to Porzingis, this signing gives the Knicks depth at the power forward position and gives them a high-energy guy off the bench for Fizdale to play around with. Vonleh isn’t a rim protector, but is a decent defender and has athleticism to finish around the basket. He will compete with multiple players for playing time at both the power forward and center positions.

This signing isn’t a flashy one and is mainly for depth, seeing that Porzingis will probably be out for most of the 2018-19 season. Vonleh gives Fizdale options at big man and like Hezonja, will provide lots of energy since he is on a one-year deal.

There were other options out there at the power forward position, so this move is a little puzzling to people. The Knicks already have a big man in Kanter who isn’t a defender but rebounds at a high rate, so seeing how Vonleh and Kanter will play together is something to watch this season.

 Grade: D