GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Noah Vonleh was the ninth overall pick in 2014, a forward out of Indiana with potential to be an impact player in the NBA.

Fours years later, Vonleh is still trying to convert that potential to reality.

Now Vonleh has an opportunity with the Knicks, who signed the former lottery pick this summer as part of their talent-acquisition phase, hoping a change of scenery, new environment and new coaching staff could recharge Vonleh's career.

"This is a great opportunity," Vonleh said after Wednesday's practice. "I look at it as a new life. We’ve got a whole new coaching staff, a bunch of young players that are hungry, been in tough situations in the league. It’s a new life, it’s a new opportunity here."

Vonleh's getting a chance to show what he can do.

The Knicks need a power forward while Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined as he recovers from ACL surgery. They also signed forward Mario Hezonja in the off-season, another former lottery pick looking to spark a career that hasn't yet met expectations. Hezonja's also in the mix for that job.

But David Fizdale's message has been that all starting jobs are open and he's letting his players compete for those roles.

"We’ve got a bunch of guys that could potentially fill that spot. I don’t know who it’s going to be," Vonleh said. "I’m just going to do the best I can, go out there and compete. The other guys are going to compete and we’ll see who wins the job when the season comes."

After being drafted by Charlotte, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound Vonleh played in 25 games his rookie season and averaged 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.

In the following three years, which he spent with Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls, Vonleh averaged 4.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.3 blocks in 16.1 minutes per game across 206 contests.

"Most of my class came that in as lottery picks, some of them were starting right away, some of them were playing 30 minutes right out of the gate," Vonleh said. "My situation was a little different. But I’m just kind of set on this opportunity here and I’m looking forward."

If the does make the Knicks, Vonleh would give them a consistent rebounder. He's averaged 11 boards per 36 minutes for his career.

"They know I can rebound," Vonleh said. "They know I can defend a little bit but I feel like I’m going to be able to showcase that more, just show how much I can communicate, help some of the younger guys pick up on how the league is and how we play. Just showcase how versatile I can be in the offense and things like that."

There have only been two days of practice so far, but Vonleh has shown Fizdale some good things.

"He’s been great," Fizdale said. "His effort level has been incredible. Between him and Enes [Kanter] it’s like two rams crashing into each other. He really runs the floor well, he offensive rebounds well. He’s got a great feel for the game. When you throw him the ball, he’s crafty with the ball. He knows what to do with it."

Whether or not Vonleh is on the roster for the opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 17 remains to be seen, but he's getting the chance to earn a spot.

He's a former lottery pick still looking to show why he was drafted that high.

"He’s just coming in here trying to make the team," Fizdale said. "There’s no nonsense with him – there's nothing extra. He’s not asking for anything – he’s just trying to earn it."

Double sessions

The Knicks held two practices Wednesday, which they will also do on Friday. Saturday's session, the final of training camp, will be an open practice at Madison Square Garden.

Size at the 3

They're both natural shooting guards, but Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. spent time at small forward last season.

Fizdale, though, is looking for other players at that spot aside from than the 6-foot-5 Lee and 6-6 Hardaway.

“I would prefer to have somebody bigger at that spot but I got a couple of guys that can play that spot now that’s big," Fizdale said. "So let’s see who fights it out and figures it out for us."

The 6-foot-9 Kevin Knox is certainly in that conversation. As Fizdale has made clear, starting spots are open to competition.

Email: iseman@northjersey.com

More NY Knicks news

MORE:The Knicks have been doing plenty of running in camp

MORE:Six notable quotes from Knicks Media Day

MORE:Kristaps Porzingis' return to New York Knicks is the big mystery