David Fizdale inserted Emmanuel Mudiay into Friday’s starting lineup in hopes of busting the once-hyped prospect out of his shooting slump.
Instead, the coach watched another former lottery pick break out.
Noah Vonleh increased the likelihood the Knicks hang onto the 2014 ninth-overall pick after posting 10 points and 11 rebounds in the team’s 106-100 preseason win over the Pelicans on Friday night at the Garden.
“I think he gives us a really unique dynamic from the physicality standpoint,” Fizdale said. “You can the see guy’s an animal, a lot like Enes [Kanter], but more bouncy.