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New York Knicks: 6 Predictions for the 2016-17 Season

By Maurice Moton

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrates with forward Carmelo Anthony (7) after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics forward jordan Mickey (55) shoots the ball in front of New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics won 119-107.
Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics forward jordan Mickey (55) shoots the ball in front of New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics won 119-107. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Willy Hernangomez Logs 20 Minutes Per Game

Rookie Willy Hernangomez impressed Hornacek with his preseason play. He logged a double-double against the Boston Celtics in their first matchup during exhibition play. Despite his weaknesses on defense, he’s a prime candidate to absorb minutes behind his long-time friend Porzingis at power forward.

We previously discussed a frontcourt combination featuring Plumlee and Hernangomez due to their mix and match attributes. The former defends the rim and cleans up second-chance scoring opportunities around the rim. The latter utilizes his move set in the post and mid-range jumper to spread the defense.

Hernangomez won’t log significant minutes in the onset of the upcoming season, but he should eventually rip off the windbreakers more often in January. At some point, we must come to terms with O’Quinn’s uneven play and assess the developing talent behind him.

The Knicks can utilize Hernangomez as an oversized power forward with a decent rim protector at center in the second unit. As he develops more confidence in his jump shot, playing time should increase through the second half of the season.

In Hornacek’s final year coaching the Phoenix Suns, 10 players logged 20 or more minutes. As the Knicks head coach experiments with his rotation, Hernangomez’s scoring ability will allow him approximately 20 minutes on the court on game day.

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