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New York Knicks Plan On Bringing Over Willy Hernangomez

By Kenneth Teape

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on with former New York Knick Bill Bradley, left, during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on with former New York Knick Bill Bradley, left, during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks have a hole to fill with Robin Lopez now in Chicago, and are working quickly to fill it by bringing over 2015 second round pick Willy Hernangomez.

The New York Knicks have been busy in recent days. They are attempting to get into the 2016 NBA Draft, as they currently do not have a selection for the draft tonight. They also made a trade you may have heard about earlier in the week, acquiring point guard Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls.

In that deal, the Knicks had to part ways with starting center Robin Lopez. It is something that President Phil Jackson said this summer’s free agent class had some impact on. He and Steve Mills believed Rose, on a one-year deal, was better than handing out huge money to someone such as Mike Conley or Rajon Rondo. They believe the center class is deeper with better options, and they aren’t wrong.

The Knicks could go big fish hunting with Dwight Howard or Hassan Whiteside, or bring in some of Rose’s former Bulls’ teammates in Pau Gasol or Joakim Noah. Ian Mahinmi and Bismack Biyombo are two other options available, but the Knicks shouldn’t worry too much about making a splash in the center market.

Related Story: 5 Options To Replace Robin Lopez?

That is because they are on track to get some help at the position in Willy Hernangomez. Some people may not recognize the name, as he was selected No.35 in the 2015 NBA Draft as a draft-and-stash prospect. The Knicks acquired his rights in a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers last season, as the Knicks sent a second round pick in 2020 and 2021. If things go to plan, Hernangomez will be with the team this season.

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According to his agent Andy Miller, Hernangomez plans to sign a multi-year deal with the Knicks this summer. “It is my intent to reach an agreement with the Knicks and have Willy come to New York for next season and beyond,” Miller said.

Hernangomez was a teammate with Knicks’ sensation Kristaps Porzingis his last two seasons overseas with Cajasol Sevilla in 2013-14 and Baloncesto Sevilla in 2014-15. The two also share the same agent, and the transition will be made easier with someone he is familiar with already on the team.

Hernangomez didn’t receive a ton of playing time this past season with Real Madrid, averaging only 12.6 minutes per game with them in 26 games and 12.1 minutes per game in Euroleague through 40 games.

But, his per 36 minute stats were impressive. He went for 18.8 points, 11 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game with Real Madrid and 17.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks per game in Euroleague.

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He should factor into the Knicks’ plans at center next season to help fill the void left with Lopez being traded out of time. Right now, the only big man on the Knicks roster is Kyle O’Quinn, so the opportunity for playing time is there right off the bat for Hernangomez.

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