Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Realistic goals for Willy Hernangomez in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

Milwaukee, WI - MARCH 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2017 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee, WI - MARCH 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2017 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Milwaukee, WI – MARCH 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2017 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee, WI – MARCH 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2017 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez is preparing for his second NBA season. What are realistic goals for Hernangomez in 2017-18?

The New York Knicks are trusting a core of Ron Baker, Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez, Frank Ntilikina, and Kristaps Porzingis to lead the organization into the future. It’s an ambitious goal, but the front office is taking calculated risks as it embraces a youth movement.

Although overlooked by many around the NBA, the Knicks are well aware of just how important Hernangomez will be to the development of sustainable success.

Hernangomez was overlooked when former team president Phil Jackson acquired him on the night of the 2015 NBA Draft. Most applauded the idea of acquiring one of Porzingis’ close friends, but few took the time to evaluate what he brings to the table.

After his eye-opening rookie season, however, those in NBA circles are beginning to sing Hernangomez’s praises as a future cornerstone.

Hernangomez finished his rookie season with averages of 16.0 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.6 offensive rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block per 36 minutes. He did so on 52.9 percent shooting from the field and 72.8 percent shooting from the free throw line.

The question is: What are realistic goals for Willy Hernangomez to set for himself as he prepares for his second season with the New York Knicks?

Home/Knicks News