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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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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 23: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks attempts to block Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 23: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks attempts to block Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 119-104. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Adequately Defend Stretch Bigs

As previously alluded to, Willy Hernangomez set a personal goal for himself: Expanding the range on his jump shot. The goal of expanding his range wasn’t limited to shooting, however, as he also turned his focus to defense.

Knowing how important it will be for Kristaps Porzingis to be in the paint protecting the rim, Hernangomez is also aiming to be able to adequately defend stretch bigs.

Per Al Iannazzone of Newsday:

"“One of the biggest things I have to work this summer is going to be my defense so next year I can defend [centers] and [power forwards].”"

Being able to do so could stabilize the entirety of the Knicks’ defense.

Hernangomez being close to the rim will be important for the Knicks, as he may be the best rebounder on the roster. True as that may be, Porzingis’ presence in the paint could be enough to cut off an entire branch of opponents’ offense.

At 7’3″ with proven instincts as a shot-blocker, Porzingis’ greatest value on defense is his ability to alter and discourage shots in the paint.

If Hernangomez is able to hold his own against stretch bigs, Porzingis’ primary strength can be utilized in the proper way. If both players excel in that regard, then an ideal balance could be struck on the defensive end of the floor.

It’s a new NBA, and teams that can’t defend stretch bigs often fall by the wayside.

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