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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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BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 12: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game on March 12, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 12: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game on March 12, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Average A Double-Double

This may seem like a somewhat arbitrary goal, but it’s one that Willy Hernangomez should take pride in achieving. Just 12 players averaged at least 10.0 rebounds per game in 2016-17, and just 14 averaged a double-double overall—nine of whom made the playoffs.

Some may want to downplay the importance of this, but Hernangomez can prove just how worthy he is of a starting job by making his per 36 averages his per game numbers.

Hernangomez averaged 16.0 points and 13.6 rebounds per 36 minutes as a rookie—reason enough to believe he can pull this off. Those are clearly ambitious numbers from a per game perspective, but they’re marks that he could realistically flirt with.

If he does so, Hernangomez would provide the perfect interior balance to a team that’s being built around the perimeter-oriented Kristaps Porzingis.

With Porzingis dominating the perimeter and mid post, and Hernangomez controlling the interior and low post, the Knicks would have a powerful duo. If Hernangomez averages a double-double, the goal of building around a true power forward and a true center would receive early validation.

The Knicks need a center who can consistently score and routinely dominate the boards, and Hernangomez has a chance to prove he fits the bill.

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