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New York Knicks: Use Willy Hernangomez, Marshall Plumlee as a Duo

By Maurice Moton

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket defended by New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket defended by New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks rookies Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee looked impressive in distinct ways. Could they coexist as a frontcourt duo?

Two projected frontcourt reserves put together impressive performances on Saturday night in polar opposite fashions. New York Knicks rookies Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee flashed complementary skill sets in a victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Hernangomez displayed fluid movement in the paint with a jump hook and varying post moves on the offensive end:

Plumlee provided raw energy on the defensive end. As Newsday reporter Al Iannazzone pointed out, the Duke product became a little overaggressive at times:

Nonetheless, Plumlee’s early hard foul on forward Trevor Booker, his blocked shot and defensive prowess holds tremendous value. Similar to Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah is one tweak away from a potential injury.

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More importantly, who’s going to defend the paint when Noah sits on the bench?

The team expects Kyle O’Quinn to serve as a primary backup, but he’s yet to show much on either end of the court. Plumlee won’t put up a lot of points, but he’s content with doing all the dirty work. He’s going to use his fouls to become the iron-fist enforcer in the lane, block shots and chase rebounds all night.

With forward Lance Thomas shooting his reliable mid-range jumper and point guard Brandon Jennings swishing and dishing from all areas, it’s optimal to keep a staunch interior defender, who doesn’t need box score points, on the court.

As Plumlee bangs and clashes with the opponent’s scoring big men, Willy Hernangomez (12 PTS, 6-10 FG) showed potential to develop into a versatile offensive asset. Similar to his long-time friend forward Kristaps Porzingis, the 6’11”, 240-pound center doesn’t look stiff with ball possession. Apparently, he’s also a monster on putbacks during practice:

However, Hernangomez doesn’t provide a defensive presence in the middle, which makes Plumlee the perfect complement in a second-unit pair. The two rookies could feed off each other’s energy. Plumlee would be available to clean up the boards and create second-chance scoring opportunities due to his rebounding. The blocked shots on one end could also lead to fast break points with Brandon Jennings pushing the ball.

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Hernangomez isn’t as refined as Porzingis when stepping out for a jump shot. Nonetheless, he possesses the potential to maintain an interior presence near the basket.

Either Plumlee or Hernangomez would have to supplant O’Quinn in the second unit. Though it seems like a long shot, head coach Jeff Hornacek should consider a yin-and-yang combination with the Duke product and the foreign import from Spain.

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