The Boston Celtics intend to fill out their remaining roster spots with the players they’re bringing to training camp. One of those players who has a real chance to make the backend of Boston’s roster is Noah Vonleh.
Vonleh is only 26 years-old and is from the same draft class as Marcus Smart, selected ninth overall in 2014 by Charlotte. However, he’s since played for seven teams in seven years.
The Massachusetts native averaged 15 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game last season for the Shanghai Sharks. In his first season overseas, Vonleh connected on 40 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3’s.
Vonleh makes a strong impact on offense. He’s not an above the rim lob threat like Rob Williams, but he is often found making high energy dunks under the basket.
To which, if he gets going downhill, he’s explosive with the ball in his hands and knows how to maneuver his 250 lbs frame and his long arms to his advantage.
Defensively, Vonleh is extremely serviceable and is part of the game he takes with great pride. While at Indiana for his lone college season, he averaged 1.4 blocks per game and 6.6 defensive rebounds per game.
It’s worth noting that although Vonleh gets after it on defense, he could struggle to keep up with the schematics of Boston’s switching defense, which will be the most important aspect for him to improve on during training camp to earn a roster spot.
For the most part, the Celtics are looking for a player like Vonleh who can come in off the bench and provide adequate scoring and passing to deter an opposing team’s closing defense for stretches on occasion.
Furthermore, Vonleh fits into the model of players the Celtics have been interested in for this specific role this offseason. Similar to Mfiondu Kabengele in many ways- who was awarded a two way contract at the conclusion of Summer League.
The Celtics have a certain type their looking for this offseason and it’s appearing to be big and versatile power forwards that can slide into the center position.
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Photo Credit: Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics Files 
3 responses to “Boston Celtics: Noah Vonleh is a model hybrid power forward the Celtics are looking”
[…] Celtics will continue with their training camp with roster spots to fill with Noah Vonleh, Bruno Caboclo, Justin Jackson, Denzel Valentine, and Brodric Thomas all likely options to make the […]
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[…] season. One of the following has a legitimate chance of making Boston’s roster: Justin Jackson, Noah Vonleh, Jake Layman, Brodric Thomas, Luka Samanic. The need for depth in certain areas is still very much […]
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[…] least one more player to abide by the NBA’s roster rules of 14 players on the roster. It appears Noah Vonleh will make the roster due to his size and the team’s need for length with Rob Williams […]
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