10 big men Rockets GM Rafael Stone should pursue

Houston Rockets target # 9: Noah Vonleh

Although Noah Vonleh was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he’s been a journeyman throughout his NBA career, as he’s played for six different teams through his first six seasons in the NBA. Vonleh is still just 25-years-old and had his best season in many respects in 2019-20, as he posted per 36 averages of 12.6 points on 56.5 percent from the floor.

Vonleh also posted true shooting splits of 62.2 percent, despite changing uniforms twice during the season. Vonleh can be a plus defender, as he posted a defensive field goal percentage of 46.8 percent in 2019-20.

The Chicago Bulls signed Vonleh prior to the start of the season, but his season was cut short after he contracted the novel coronavirus, and the Bulls ultimately released him shortly thereafter. Vonleh managed to play one preseason game, which happened to be against the Rockets coincidentally.

During that game, Vonleh had 12 points in 11 minutes of action during the contest and went 3-of-4 from the field. What was even more impressive about the 6-foot-10 big man’s performance in that game is that he was the leading rebounder in the game, as he had eight rebounds in limited playing time.

Vonleh’s ability to crash the glass would be appealing from the Rockets’ standpoint.

Next: No. 8