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New York Knicks: Willy Hernangomez the key to the future

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Willy Hernangomez is putting forth brilliant displays at EuroBasket 2017. The Spanish national team standout will need to rediscover this form with the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks have made a firm commitment to Kristaps Porzingis as the franchise player. As Porzingis prepares to take on that unenviable task, however, the search for a true No. 2 rests squarely on the shoulders of the front office.

As the Knicks prepare to find that prospect in the 2018 NBA Draft, a player on the current roster is already shouldering a significant measure of responsibility.

When the Knicks acquired Willy Hernangomez in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft, few paid the move any mind. Despite the appeal of the selection, Hernangomez was viewed as another one of former team president Phil Jackson’s strange personnel decisions.

Following his rookie season with the Knicks in 2016-17, however, Hernangomez has become a critical member of what’s become a promising young team.

The 23-year-old received spot minutes early in the season, but eventually became a featured member of Jeff Hornacek’s rotation. While most Knicks fans have grown fond of Hernangomez, his importance is often understated by those around the NBA.

As the New York Knicks build around Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez will play an essential role in his friend and teammates’ development.

Here are five reasons why.

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