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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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NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Willy Hernangomez #14 of the World Team are seen the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge as part of 2017 All-Star Weekend at the Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Willy Hernangomez #14 of the World Team are seen the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge as part of 2017 All-Star Weekend at the Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. The Friendship Factor

The New York Knicks have done a rather poor job of keeping Kristaps Porzingis happy. Trade rumors have offered reason enough for Porzingis to be disgruntled, as both he and his mentor, Carmelo Anthony, have been at the heart of the reports.

As the Knicks look for ways to appease Porzingis, his friendship with Willy Hernangomez is one bridge that hasn’t been burned.

Hernangomez and Porzingis share a history that predates the 2016-17 NBA season. The two became teammates with Baloncesto Sevilla of Spain’s vaunted Liga ACB in 2013, and have since forged a close bond and friendship.

In addition to being friends off the court, Hernangomez and Porzingis share excellent chemistry on it—a delicate balance that could help for reasons other than morale.

Friendships don’t always work on NBA teams, but Hernangomez and Porzingis have displayed an ability to constructively criticize one another. That level of honesty could prove essential to the development of both players’ skill sets.

Whether it’s maintaining morale or pushing one another to the limit, the combination of Hernangomez and Porzingis is one that should prove beneficial.

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