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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) /
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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) /

5. Expand Shooting Range

When discussing the future of his NBA career, Willy Hernangomez has been the first to comment on his flaws. That proved true earlier this year, when Hernangomez acknowledged that he needs to be able to adapt to modern standards for big men.

Hernangomez is already one of the better post players in the Association, but he’s aiming to expand his range and become a better shooter.

Having a midrange game is essential for any post player, as it provides a necessary balance to their scoring efforts. Those who can face up and convert a jumper from 12-to-16 feet will keep an opposing defense on their toes and add an element of unpredictability to their game.

In the modern era, however, a midrange game isn’t always enough—and Hernangomez would rather adapt than die.

Hernangomez spent a large part of this summer with two shining examples of how valuable expanded shooting range can be: Marc and Pau Gasol. Both flew past their previous career-highs for three-point field goals made in 2016-17, and both are phenomenal post players.

If Hernangomez can follow in the footsteps of the legendary Gasol brothers, he should see a spike in playing time and a matching rise in production.

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