Noah Vonleh's biggest goal for the 2015-16 NBA season should be avoiding a sophomore slump.
However, the Charlotte Hornets' 2014 No. 9 overall pick's rookie season did not go nearly as planned. With high hopes coming out of Indiana University following a freshman season leading the Big Ten in rebounding and averaging double figures despite not being the focal point of the Hoosiers' offense, Vonleh underwent a sports hernia surgery last September that derailed his rookie debut with the Hornets. The 6-foot-10 forward eventually regained his fitness, but played sparingly until earning increased minutes in the final weeks of the season to average just over three points and three rebounds over 25 games as a rookie.
With a fresh start in Portland following last week's trade, Vonleh is looking to prove his worth as a former lottery pick for the Trail Blazers in 2015-16.
"I didn't get much playing time in Charlotte," Vonleh said Monday. "I’m looking at this as a new beginning. There’s a lot of good players on this team, and I’m looking forward to coming to a winning organization."
He continued: "The sports hernia injury set me back a little bit, so that was pretty tough. I stayed confident and focused, kept working on my game, came back, rehabbed really well and toward the end of the season, I was able to get some minutes in the last few games. I showcased some of my skills pretty well."
As for goals, Vonleh is taking it all in stride. Healthy and in a new city, 2015-16 can almost be considered a second rookie season for the versatile youngster. The 19-year-old forward looks to make an impact right off the bat in next month's Samsung NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
"I’m starting with Summer League," he stated confidently. "I’ve been working hard all summer. Since the last game of the season in Charlotte, I’ve just been focused on Summer League, just showing everybody what I can do, how my game can translate and work my way into the rotation.
"When training camp starts, I’ll set some new goals, new personal goals and go from there."
Vonleh and the Trail Blazers begin Summer League play in Las Vegas on July 11 versus the Boston Celtics.