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New York Knicks: 5 players Willy Hernangomez should study

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after the game 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: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after the game on March 25, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 23: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game Four during the Eastern Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 23: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game Four during the Eastern Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Robin Lopez

New York Knicks fans had a season to get familiar with the rugged beauty of Robin Lopez’s game. Lopez doesn’t do anything especially flashy on the court, but he’s a rugged defender, a competitive rebounder, and a skilled passer who always seems to find a way to contribute.

Willy Hernangomez has a higher ceiling than what Lopez has accomplished in the NBA, but the 29-year-old can set an excellent example for how to be the ultimate team player.

Offensively, Lopez has value both with and without the ball. When working off-ball, he impacts the game by providing elite offensive rebounding numbers, setting hard screens for ball-handlers, and doing an excellent job of positioning himself near the rim.

When he has the ball in his hands, Lopez is a solid post player who can finish over both shoulders, a skilled passer who can hit the open man, and a capable shooter who can convert from midrange.

Defensively, Lopez doesn’t back down from physicality. He defends the post well, boxes out for himself and others when crashing the boards, and even does an excellent job of protecting the rim with his understanding of the verticality rule.

Some may want Hernangomez to aim higher, but Lopez is an excellent example of a player who has utilized their toughness and IQ to overcome concerns about their athleticism.

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