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Blazers 2016-2017 season review: Noah Vonleh

By Ty Delbridge

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) throws down a slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) grabs a rebound over Golden State Warriors in the first half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) grabs a rebound over Golden State Warriors in the first half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

This was Noah Vonleh’s 3rd season in the NBA and his 2nd full season with the Portland Trail Blazers. How did it go?

Averaged 4.4 points-5.2 rebounds-48.1 FG%-63.8  FT%.

At the start of the season, Vonleh came off the bench and was averaging about 13.2 minutes a game. He filled in when injuries occurred but just wasn’t finding his role. Noah was being asked to be the “big” down low, while Mason Plumlee played in the mid-range.

Vonleh hasn’t shown to be that physical player down low since being in Portland. He has been better for the Blazers when he plays in the mid range and can use his athleticism and skill. Pre All-Star break according to NBA.com, he averaged 3.2 points-4.2 rebounds-40.7 FG%-55.8 FT%

Vonleh stands 6’9-224 and is still only 21 years old. The Blazers needed him to start contributing on a regular basis.

Mar 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) passes the ball out against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) passes the ball out against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Vonleh exposed to Nurkic Fever.

The Blazers traded Mason Plumlee for Jusuf Nurkic to fix the problem down low. And not only did Nurkic help the Blazers, he helped Noah Vonleh.

Post All-Star break,the Blazers started Both Nurkic and Vonleh. Nurkic handled the post, rim protecting and physical rebounding. Vonleh was able to get open mid range jumpers,m take guys off the dribble and run the floor. He showed off the skill-set and physical attributes that made him a lottery pick.

Vonleh seemed very comfortable with Nurkic and was a good player for the Blazers the rest of the year.

Post All-Star break,He averaged 24.3 minutes- 6.7 points-7.2 rebounds-57.5 FG%-70.6 FT% He put up his only 4 double-doubles of the season.

Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) dunks against Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) dunks against Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking Forward to Next Year

Noah showed good improvement during the 2nd half of the season and can hopefully carry that into next year. The Blazers should not give up on him yet, he still have room to grow but hopefully he can speed up the process.

Blazers fans should be excited to see a full season of Nurkic and Vonleh down low. He has the talent to be a good player in the league, he just needs to use it every night. Hopefully 2017-2018 season is the year Vonleh breaks out.

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