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

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?

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.

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.

3. Dominate The Defensive Boards

Willy Hernangomez is legitimately outstanding at crashing the boards, as evidenced by his averages of 13.6 rebounds and 4.6 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes. True as that may be, the New York Knicks were routinely exposed on the glass in 2016-17.

This may simply be a matter of continuing to do what he already does, but New York desperately needs Hernangomez to dominate the defensive boards.

The Knicks finished the 2016-17 regular season at No. 29 in offensive rebounds allowed per game. They were also No. 13 in the Association in opponent field goal percentage and No. 7 in opponent three-point field goal percentage.

Thus, one could confidently surmise that New York’s ranking of No. 30 in second chance points allowed per game was the primary reason for its defensive woes.

Come 2017-18, the Knicks will need to make significant improvements in terms of their rebounding. Allowing second chance scoring opportunities demoralized the team, and often provided opponents with their most effective method of putting the ball in the hole.

For all that he does well, Hernangomez must be able to consistently control the defensive glass if the rest of his team is going to prosper.

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.

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?