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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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 25: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks shoots a lay up during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 25, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 25: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks shoots a lay up during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 25, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Rebounding

For all that Kristaps Porzingis does well at power forward, rebounding isn’t exactly a strength. He averaged a respectable 9.3 rebounds per 36 minutes as a rookie, but pulled down just 7.9 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2016-17.

That was somewhat influenced by his teammates—Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Kyle O’Quinn all specialize in rebounding—but it’s concerning nonetheless.

If Porzingis is going to be a quality rebounder who never quite reaches elite, then someone next to him will need to. Hernangomez may already check that box, as he plays a fundamentally strong style that enables him to dominate the boards.

Hernangomez finished his rookie season with averages of 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 offensive rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game—translatable to 13.6 and 4.6 per 36.

Beyond the numbers, Hernangomez isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty as he fights for positioning down low. Porzingis can use his size and length to corral rebounds, but the New York Knicks need a player who can consistently dominate—and nothing short of it—the boards.

Dominance is a word that’s too easily thrown around, but Hernangomez is showing all of the signs of being the NBA’s next great rebounder.

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