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New York Knicks: Every Free Agency Signing’s Key Strength

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; New York Knicks and Spain center Guillermo Hernangomez Geuer (14) dunks over Nigeria defense during the men's preliminary round in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; New York Knicks and Spain center Guillermo Hernangomez Geuer (14) dunks over Nigeria defense during the men’s preliminary round in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Willy Hernangomez: Offensive Rebounding

Position: Center
Age: 22 (5/27/1994)
2015-16 Slash Line (Liga ACB): .667/.000/.745
2015-16 Season Averages (Liga ACB): 12.6 MPG, 6.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 0.6 BPG, 0.5 SPG

The New York Knicks acquired Willy Hernangomez on the night of the 2015 NBA Draft. It was a sign of how committed New York is to developing Kristaps Porzingis and how much it values professional experience in a young player.

Hernangomez is more than just Porzingis’ former Liga ACB teammate; he could be one of the Knicks’ most productive offensive rebounders as soon as 2016-17.

Defensive rebounding could be a bit of an issue for Hernangomez, although the rarity of box outs in the modern NBA actually plays in his favor. It’s on offense where Hernangomez can make his strongest impact on the boards however, and that’s where New York will need him.

Joakim Noah is still a productive force on the offensive glass, which means Hernangomez can provide invaluable continuity when the starter comes off the floor.

Hernangomez has upside comparable to 2015-16 starter Robin Lopez, but this article is focusing on 2016-17 strengths. Between his size, strength, mobility, and motor, Hernangomez should provide the Knicks with plenty of second-chance scoring opportunities.

For what it’s worth, Hernangomez finished the 2015-16 Liga ACB season with averages of 18.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.2 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.

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