New York Knicks Team Awards For 2016-17 Regular Season

Rookie Of The Year: Willy Hernangomez

The Knicks had a number of new faces this season. Despite not having any picks in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Knicks received good performances from international players debuting in the NBA such as Mindaugas Kuzminskas. They also received good performances from undrafted players in Ron Baker, Marshall Plumlee, Maurice Ndour, and Chasson Randle.

The best of the bench was center Willy Hernangomez. Hernangomez was the 35th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks acquired him in a trade and it looks like a good move thus far.

It took some time for Hernangomez to get a permanent spot in the rotation, but once he did, he played very well. Hernangomez was the starter once Noah was out and stepped his game up after the All-Star break.

In 23 games after the All-Star break, 19 starts, Hernangomez averaged 11.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He could use some improvements defensively, such as a rim protector, but he looks like a building block in the front court for the Knicks in the future.

He already possesses an advanced game offensively with his back to the basket and a developing jump shot. There is a lot to like here with Hernangomez.