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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 YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. The Modern Traditional Big Man

Willy Hernangomez is a traditional big man in every sense of the word. He not only rebounds, scores, and passes, but boxes out, comfortably plays with his back to the basket, sets hard picks, and is more than capable of facilitating from the high post.

As Hernangomez brings that necessary element to the Knicks’ offense, he’s also attempting to modernize his game to thus create the perfect blend of tools.

Hernangomez has made it abundantly clear that he intends to add an outside shot to his offensive arsenal. He won’t make a living around the three-point line, but he will attempt to embrace the changes made to the modern game.

Other alterations and expansions may be necessary, but the fact that Hernangomez is already looking to expand his game is a promising sign.

It’s worth noting that two of Hernangomez’s international teammates and idols, Marc and Pau Gasol, recently made the same change. Marc converted 104 of his 116 career three-point field goals in 2016-17, and Pau converted 56three-point field goals on an astonishing 53.8 percent shooting.

As Hernangomez’s mentors embrace the need for a modernization of the traditional big man, he’s doing the same—and the New York Knicks will need him to do so.

Having noteworthy shooters at both interior positions would make New York quite difficult to defend.

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