New York Knicks: Five reasons NYK shouldn’t trade Willy Hernangomez

4. Dominant Rebounding

For all that Kristaps Porzingis does well, fans and critics often ponder how good of a rebounder he can become. Size and length are natural advantages for Porzingis, but rebounding has been an issue throughout his first two seasons.

Although Porzingis is expected to move to center at some point in the future, having a genuinely elite rebounder working alongside him would be as wise a decision as any.

It may seem hyperbolic, but Willy Hernangomez is off to a legendary start to his career from a rebounding perspective. In 2016-17, he became the 10th rookie in NBA history to average at least 13.0 rebounds and 4.0 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes (minimum: 1000 minutes played).

For perspective, the previous four players to achieve the feat were Andre Drummond in 2012-13, Shaquille O’Neal in 1992-93, Roy Tarpley in 1986-87, and Charles Oakley in 1985-86.

More accurately, Hernangomez became the first rookie since Tarpley in 1986-87 to average at least 13.5 rebounds and 4.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes. The numbers only say so much, but Hernangomez has already proven to be one of the most fundamentally sound rebounders in the NBA.

Some may argue that rebounding isn’t quite as important as it used to be, but for a Knicks team that allowed second chance points to ruin its defense in 2016-17, it’s a critical strength.