In the first half last night, Vonleh looked terrible. He didn’t produce, but worse, his defense was a turnstile. It was hard for me to imagine any NBA big defending worse. Worse than Kanter, worse than Jabari.
I only watched a few minutes of the second half. I checked the box score, though, and Vonleh showed out like his name was Moses Brown.
Did his energy change? Was it just playing against non-starters? Did his defense noticeably improve?
He started off really out of position on defense. He got better as the game went on. The hornets were really trying to win this game. I think he needs reps. I think a lot of these guys will look better if they are intermingled with the starters or 6-8 guys. I think Brogdon will make any of these guys passable on offense but they need reps in the defensive schemes.
roy brings up good points, as ever. i only watched a little of the game, but early on vonleh was worse then jabari and freedom. (notice the updated name!) at least they tried and would chase after the attacker after he blew by them.
vonley was getting beat and then just watched the attacker go to the basket.
i will take everyone's word for it that he got better.
i think, also, that liam may have a good point as well. vonleh may have been just lost in the first half on a new defense. he had no idea where to be, how to switch, etc.
hopefully as he gets more reps that goes away. if vonleh can play okay defense (though i hope for more) then with his rebounding and put backs he will be a fine bench player.
though, secretly in my heart of hearts, i am still rooting for my binkie kabengele.
