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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 – JANUARY 27: Willy Hernangomez #14 and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks high five each other during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 27, 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 – JANUARY 27: Willy Hernangomez #14 and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks high five each other during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. The Perfect Blend

As teams attempt to shoot opponents to death, the New York Knicks have a chance to do something different. It’s already been acknowledged that Willy Hernangomez wants to shoot the three-ball at a high level, but the key to sustainable success is balance.

With Willy Hernangomez and Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks would have the perfect blend of abilities at two positions that few teams are stable at.

While Porzingis provides the ultimate finesse game at 7’3″, Hernangomez bulldozes through players with a more powerful style. Porzingis will space the floor and put the ball on the floor, and Hernangomez will back players down and distribute the ball from the high post.

If Porzingis polishes his post game, and Hernangomez adds the jump shot he’s committed to developing, then the two could even become interchangeable in their roles.

Defensively, Porzingis is the imposing shot-blocker whose mere presence intimidates slashers, albeit with a weakness in rebounding. Hernangomez is the dominant rebounder who can control the glass, albeit with a weakness in rim protection.

If both players commit to improving the areas in which they struggle, the Knicks could even go as far as flipping their positions—a move that could finally station Porzingis at center.

Must Read: An early 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Kristaps Porzingis may be the franchise player, but Willy Hernangomez is currently essential to the success of the New York Knicks.

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