This Noah actually can play

Noah Vonleh looked at the roster, saw its youth, players with a similar story to his, heard coach David Fizdale’s mandate on the importance of development, and knew the Knicks were the right move.

It sure seemed like a good fit on opening night for the 23-year-old forward. Taking advantage of extra playing time after rookie Mitchell Robinson tweaked his ankle, Vonleh produced a double-double in his Knicks debut, with 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists, in a 126-107 victory over the Hawks at the Garden.

“I felt like this was great spot for me, great opportunity,” he said. “Young team, being able to play with a bunch of guys around my age, a bunch of guys who have been in similar situations as me, being former lottery picks, teams giving up on them pretty quick. I felt like it was a good group to come join.”

He’s already impressed Fizdale with his work habits, getting into the best condition of his life, something that was requested once he signed with the Knicks.

“He really committed to it,” the coach said. “People were bagging on him because he was always walking around with a water jug. He was sweating all the time and drinking water.”

The versatile 6-foot-9 Vonleh has bounced around the league since going ninth overall to the Hornets in the 2014 draft — spending time in Charlotte, Chicago and Portland. Vonleh had a solid 21-game stint with the Bulls last year after being dealt by the Trail Blazers, averaging 6.9 points and 6.9 rebounds, and is hoping to build off of that with the Knicks. He got off to a good start, impressing his new teammates at both ends of the floor.

“[I want to] just do a little bit of everything, just go out there and play with high energy, rebound the basketball, defend, communicate, and let the rest fall into place,” Vonleh said. “I feel like I bring some things to the game this team needs.”