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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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MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 20: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies enters the arena before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 20: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies enters the arena before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Marc Gasol

Carmelo Anthony opened eyes in 2016 by comparing Willy Hernangomez to Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol. Anthony praised Hernangomez’s ability to score, pass, and defend, going as far as saying: “I see a lot of Marc Gasol in him.”

That’s a compliment of the highest order, as Gasol has become one of the best two-way players in the NBA—something Hernangomez is capable of becoming, as well.

Gasol has many of the offensive traits that Hernangomez hopes to embody, but this all starts on defense. Gasol, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in XXXX-XX, overcomes his average athleticism by playing bigger than he is.

Gasol keeps his arms extended, his legs moving, and his eyes up as he covers more ground than players with his level of athleticism are often capable of.

Offensively, Gasol is an excellent post player who can finish with both hands and facilitate from the high post. He’s also expanded his range to beyond the arc, where he converted 104 three-point field goals in 2016-17 after making just 12 in his first eight seasons combined.

Hernangomez wants to be a better shooter and a more versatile defender—progress that Gasol, against all odds, made himself. This is the perfect upside comparison.

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