5. Toughness
European players carry the stigma of being unable to cope with the toughness and physicality of the NBA. Their finesse game is strong, but when the game slows down, they crumble under the pressure of physical contact.
Though the stigma does come with some history and merit, it doesn’t apply to New York Knicks rookie Willy Hernangomez.
Hernangomez has a powerful 255-pound frame that he’s quite comfortable throwing around. He plays physically, gets deep position down low, and is willing to go to war for rebounds on both ends of the floor.
Hernangomez isn’t exactly a rim protector, but he isn’t afraid to gamble or get physical as a shot-blocker.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this reality is that he’ll be playing alongside Joakim Noah. Already in possession of some very intriguing traits, it’s a veteran like Noah who can teach Hernangomez how to use them the right way.
There aren’t many better veteran-rookie duos one could combine at the 5 than Noah and Hernangomez.
Next: Attacking The Glass