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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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Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knocks blocks an attempt from Nick Young of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knocks blocks an attempt from Nick Young of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Enabling Kristaps Porzingis’ Defensive Strengths

Versatility may be the word of the week in the NBA, but great teams cater to their players’ strengths. Thus, while Kristaps Porzingis may have the potential to defend like Kevin Garnett, the New York Knicks would be doing something wrong if he needs to.

Standing at 7’3″ with a proven ability to block shots, the Knicks should do everything in their power to enable Porzingis to play as many possessions as possible as a rim protector.

Porzingis has finished in the top 10 in blocks per game in each of his two NBA seasons, including his Top 5 ranking in 2016-17. He also ranked in the top 5 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim during the most recent campaign.

That’s an incredible strength to possess, but it was often wasted by New York being unable to protect him from having to run out on stretch 4s.

Willy Hernangomez stated in March that he wants to be able to defend both power forwards and centers. It was a comment that was as much about his individual development as it was his awareness of how his versatility would enable Porzingis, the Knicks’ best defender, to play to his strengths.

Stretch 4s are going to be a matchup nightmare for every team, but New York would benefit from having its lone rim protector closer to the paint.

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