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Breaking down Noah Vonleh’s role with the Minnesota Timberwolves

By Jack Borman

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 16: Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot from E'Twaun Moore #55 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 16: Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot from E'Twaun Moore #55 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Noah Vonleh
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)` /

Joining his fifth team in six seasons, 23-year-old Noah Vonleh is a young journeyman with something to prove. With his versatile skillset, it won’t take long for him to find his place with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Coming out of Indiana University, scouts saw Noah Vonleh as a unique athletic talent, with All-Star level potential at the 4.

Five years later, that long, bouncy potential-laden prospect is looking to rewrite his NBA story on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that fits his profile: young, exciting, and looking to prove everyone wrong.

After a tumultuous first four seasons, Vonleh enjoyed his best professional campaign in the most famous arena in American sports: Madison Square Garden.

He averaged 8.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocks per game and shot 47.0 percent from the floor, 33.6 percent from deep on 2.0 attempts per game, and 71.2 percent from the free throw line in 25.3 minutes per game as a Knick last season.

Vonleh set new per-game career highs for points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, free-throw attempts (2.3), and starts (57), playing in a featured role for David Fizdale alongside an extremely young group of players.

Now on his fifth team in six seasons, Noah Vonleh feels wanted in Minnesota and is excited about his potential role in Ryan Saunders and Pablo Prigioni‘s offensive system, because he is a seamless fit into what the Wolves’ new regime is looking for on offense.

In an interview with Wolves Digital Content Manager Kyle Ratke, Vonleh was asked about his 3-point shooting ability.

"“I’ve been very confident. My whole life I’ve been looking to shoot the 3-point shot, from high school to middle school, college and then the NBA. I mean, depending on the team and situation you go to, they might need different things. I just remind myself, do the things team wants you to do, but also remember to work on the things that got you to the NBA.”"

In an offense that will seek to mostly eliminate the long mid-range shot from its arsenal in favor of the 3 ball and inside shots, Vonleh is in line to play a huge role in the frontcourt alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.

Career Highs (per RealGM)

  • Points: 22
  • Rebounds: 19
  • Offensive Rebounds: 9
  • Assists: 9
  • Steals: 4, twice
  • Blocks: 3, seven times
  • 3s Made: 4, twice
  • Free Throws Made: 5, five times

Fast Facts

  • One-and-done player at Indiana
  • 2013-14 Big Ten All-Freshman team
  • 2013-14 Big Ten Rookie of the Year
  • 2013-14 Big Team rebounds leader (9.0 per game)
  • #15 ranked player in the Class of 2013, per 247 Sports.

Now, let’s talk through Noah’s strengths.

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