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

By Maxwell Ogden

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 6: Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Offensive Value

It’s only been one season, but Willy Hernangomez is already one of the most fundamentally sound post players in the NBA. That may not be the most desirable skill in the modern NBA, but the ability to control the interior is a rare offensive trait in this era.

Post play increases in importance come the playoffs, and if the Knicks are building towards sustainable postseason success, that makes Hernangomez a valuable contributor.

Beyond the fact that he’s a skilled post player, Hernangomez is also a dominant offensive rebounder. He pulled down 2.4 offensive rebounds per game and 4.6 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes during his rookie season.

Hernangomez is also determined to convert jump shots from both midrange and beyond the arc, which will help him adjust to modern standards.

Furthermore, Hernangomez is an outstanding passer who can set his teammates up from the low, mid, or pinch post areas. He averaged 1.3 assists per game and 2.6 assists per 36 minutes as a rookie, and is wise beyond his years—and numbers—in his playmaking ability.

With the skill level to score from the post, create second chances, find his teammates, and potentially knock down jump shots, Hernangomez has the potential to be the complete package offensively.

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If the New York Knicks plan to flank Kristaps Porzingis with a center who can both complement his strengths and compensate for his flaws, Willy Hernangomez would be the answer.

It would behoove the Knicks to keep Hernangomez and his team-friendly contract until that upside is explored.

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