Report: Celtics leave Wednesday workout impressed with Noah Vonleh

[BleedGreen1989]

The Haverhill, Mass. native, very much in the running to be selected with the Celtics' No. 6 pick in the June 26 draft, left Indiana after one season in which he was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

While acknowledging that there might be some level of pressure, Vonleh said he sees it as, "a great opportunity, being able to stay in Boston, play in front of family and friends."

Like most young basketball players in New England, Vonleh grew up watching the Celtics. And while he knows the Celtics have plenty of quality options to turn to with the No. 6 pick, he's already allowed himself to give some thought as to how things would be if he were able to play for his hometown team.

"I was just talking to Walter (McCarty, current Celtics assistant and former Celtic player), we were talking about where I would be living if I were to get drafted by the Celtics. I think it would be a great opportunity."

Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens has been involved with the workout process. And like most who have seen Vonleh play, he too came away impressed with the 6-foot-10 forward.

"Noah's got a great frame as you can see," Stevens said. "He's strong, he's long. He's got really strong legs. He's a physical guy. He's probably even more physical than I thought, when I saw him in person. He's obviously a really good player, and his reputation speaks for itself."

Austin Ainge, Boston's director of player personnel, echoed similar sentiments about Vonleh who has been on the radar of NBA teams dating back to his time at New Hampton (N.H.) Prep school when he emerged as one of the nation's top high school prospects.

"We've seen him quite a bit," said Ainge who added that Vonleh played in the same conference as his younger brother Crew Ainge. "Obviously being local, we've heard about him for quite a long time."

Ainge added, "He's a very intriguing player. A lot of physical tools, but very young."

Vonleh, who won't be 19 years old until August, is among the youngest players in this year's draft.

[loco_91]

wouldn't it be nice if Orlando and Utah took Randle and Vonleh, leaving us Exum...

[dreamgreen]

I was high on him early in the process but got cool on the idea after all the "Love" talk, but I can see this kid playing center in the future. One of the few picks I could be happy with at #6.

[colincb]

 I like this kid a lot, but he's now being talked about going to ORL and UTA too.  One of Vonleh, Smart, or even Exum will be available along with Randle and Gordon.

from another article below.

http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/vonleh-hopes-move-haverill-boston

...Ainge also discussed Vonleh?s physical presence and style of play but touched on other attributes the power forward brings to the table. ?Noah put up very good rebounding numbers this year and he shot well from the 3-point line with limited attempts and he blocked shots very well, so those are obviously very important things,? said Ainge, who is Boston?s director of player personnel. ?And he?s one of the youngest players in the Draft, I want to say third or fourth (youngest). He?s still 18 years old, so there?s a lot of room for growth there."

[clover]

I was high on him early in the process but got cool on the idea after all the "Love" talk, but I can see this kid playing center in the future. One of the few picks I could be happy with at #6.

Yep. Vonleh's been #5 on my board all year.

[Tr1boy]

We will see what BS says about Gordon and Randle.

Smart, gordon, randle, vonleh.  6 is looking like a tricky situation suddenly

[byennie]

I could see Boston swapping with Utah to lock up Vonleh... throw them a 2nd rounder to move 1 spot and then Utah takes Smart or Gordon.

[clover]

I could see Boston swapping with Utah to lock up Vonleh... throw them a 2nd rounder to move 1 spot and then Utah takes Smart or Gordon.

I'd be fine with that.

[byennie]

My hope is that we gamble on Vonleh, he turns 19 (!), and starts growing into a center's body. Pick up Asik and draft a scorer and it's not the sexiest offseason but quite possibly nice progress:

Rondo
Bradley / (Warren?)
Green
Sully / KO / Bass
Asik / Humphries / Vonleh

I think a full season with that group could make real strides without closing any doors. The big man lineup would be very deep, we've got 5 starters with experience, and some interesting talent to groom in Vonleh and Warren.

[colincb]

Looks like his agent is trying to get PHI and UTA interested:

===

Chris Forsberg ‏@ESPNForsberg 6h

Noah Vonleh said Boston is his fourth workout (after visiting LAL, SAC, ORL). Said this might be final, but considering adding PHI and UTH.

[Surferdad]

My hope is that we gamble on Vonleh, he turns 19 (!), and starts growing into a center's body. Pick up Asik and draft a scorer and it's not the sexiest offseason but quite possibly nice progress:

Rondo
Bradley / (Warren?)
Green
Sully / KO / Bass
Asik / Humphries / Vonleh

I think a full season with that group could make real strides without closing any doors. The big man lineup would be very deep, we've got 5 starters with experience, and some interesting talent to groom in Vonleh and Warren.

Celtics will make strides this off season no matter what. I am not impressed with that depth chart. Who are you building around?  Who is your go-to scorer?  Looks like 1st round exit from playoffs at best.  Where is the upside?  No thanks. I want fireworks!

[footey]

This report on Celts' interest in Vonleh is pretty meaningless, let's be honest.  Cliche-ridden quotes from Celtic management.  Wonder what they really feel.

[Tr1boy]

This report on Celts' interest in Vonleh is pretty meaningless, let's be honest.  Cliche-ridden quotes from Celtic management.  Wonder what they really feel.

do you think BS is just talking nonsense? 

Celts have been impressed with Smart and Vonleh now. They will prob be impressed with Gordon and Randle next.   Sometimes i think the Kings have the best pick bc one of these quality players will drop to them without a thought

[Tr1boy]

the 17th pick should be also a nightmare to decide on.

This is going to be a tough draft.

[apc]

To me it sounds just like the standard comments on any workout player. I cannot tell they are impressed from those comments.