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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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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 31: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks dribbles in front of Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. Become The Full-Time Starter

The No. 1 goal for Willy Hernangomez should be proving that he deserves to be the full-time starter at center. Most view Hernangomez as the favorite, but Joakim Noah is working tirelessly to improve, and Kyle O’Quinn has a claim of his own.

Hernangomez is the long-term option at the 5, but the sooner he earns the job as the full-time starter, the smoother the execution of Scott Perry’s vision will be.

As previously alluded to, Perry listed Ron Baker, Tim Hardaway Jr., Hernangomez, Frank Ntilikina, and Porzingis as the Knicks’ five core players. Intriguing as that may be, the onus is now on the players to justify the faith being placed in them.

The best way for Hernangomez to do that during his second NBA season would be to unequivocally secure his spot as the starting center.

With Hernangomez and Porzingis locked in as starters for the foreseeable future, the Knicks could turn their attention elsewhere. So long as there’s uncertainty at center, however, it will distract the organization and coaching staff from the other positions of need.

Hernangomez is already well on his way to ending the competition and securing the spot for himself, but improved execution on defense will be vital.

Must Read: Realistic goals for Kristaps Porzingis in 2017-18

The question is: Can Willy Hernangomez make the leap that the New York Knicks expect of him during the 2017-18 NBA season?

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