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New York Knicks: 2016-17 Quarter-Mark Award Winners

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during warm ups prior to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during warm ups prior to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Quarter-Year: Willy Hernangomez

This was the most difficult award to hand out. Former Liga ACB standouts turned New York Knicks rookies Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas both deserve the honor of being the Knicks’ Rookie of the Year at the quarter-mark.

Though Kuzminskas has been coming on strong over the past few games, Hernangomez gets the early edge due to his superior consistency.

Hernangomez is averaging 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 offensive rebounds, and 0.9 assists on a slash line of .609/.000/.688 in 13.5 minutes per game. That translates to marks of 14.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.4 offensive rebounds, and 2.3 assists per 36 minutes.

Bigger than the season averages is the fact that Hernangomez has been a consistent contributor who routinely steps up with clutch plays in the fourth quarter.

Kuzminskas could’ve easily won here, especially after he scored a career-high 14 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hernangomez has simply been too valuable to ignore with Joakim Noah missing time due to illness and injury.

This could’ve gone either way, but Hernangomez gets the very minor edge in the battle between two of the most promising players on the Knicks’ roster.

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