New York Knicks: Willy Hernangomez should begin 2017-18 as sixth man

Although Willy Hernangomez played well as a starter during the 2016-2017 season, he should start next season as sixth man for the New York Knicks.

In late February, when Joakim Noah suffered a season-ending knee injury, Willy Hernangomez became the starting center for the New York Knicks. While many believe he should remain the starter once Noah is healthy in 2017-18,, it would be better for the team to have Hernangomez start the season as a sixth man 

During the 2016-17 season, the Knicks struggled in many departments. One issue the team faced was the inconsistency of their bench. The team was No. 25 in bench points per game.

While the Knicks had a talented starting lineup, the bench was unable to be effective on a consistent basis.

Kyle O’Quinn would have many breakout games during the season. However, he would be unable to build on the momentum he obtained from such games into a sense of consistency.

Ron Baker, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Maurice Ndour, Marshall Plumlee, and Chasson Randle were rookies finding their respective roles on the team. Each individual player had their respective breakout performances, but were unable to turn the momentum into a level of reliability. 

Lance Thomas wasn’t able to pick up where he left off last season due to many injuries, which resulted in his season-long struggle shooting the ball.

Off the bench, Hernangomez averaged 6.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks on 55.1 percent shooting from the field. Hernangomez is the only bench player on the team who is consistent enough to be a sixth man.

That’s even more true when you translate his numbers to per 36 minutes: 16.0 points, 13.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

With his offensive talent and rebounding ability, Hernangomez would be able to pick up where Porzingis left off. Kristaps Porzingis is known for finding himself in foul trouble due to his physical play protecting the rim.

Last season, Porzingis was ranked No. 2 in fouls per game with 3.7 fouls per contest.

When Porzingis isn’t on the floor, his presence is truly missed, The blow a team faces when one of their best players is sitting is reduced when you have a quality player who’s able to step in and step up when needed.

Back in 2011, Dwight Howard would find himself in foul trouble on a frequent basis. Orlando was able to have Marcin Gortat come in off the bench—a player who was able to fill in the offensive and defensive void Howard left when he was on the bench due to foul trouble.

This kept Orlando in games and prevented the team from frequently finding itself in huge holes in such games.

While the Knicks don’t have Gortat, Hernangomez would be able to step in when Porzingis is on the bench.

This is not a surprise, but last season, the team’s defense was poor. It’s important to note that Noah owns a higher Defensive RPM than Hernangomez. Noah’s DRPM is 1.16, while Hernangomez’s is 0.40.

This would represent Noah being the statistically better center to choose with respect to defense.

More important than any Hernangomez versus Noah debate, the best approach would be to create continuity when Porzingis comes off the floor. The New York Knicks can do that with Hernangomez.