Willy Hernangomez is making a strong case to be the Knicks’ starting center next season, regardless of Joakim Noah‘s suspension, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Hernangomez had another impressive game Saturday with a career-best 24 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Spurs. He has been the primary starter since February 4th, when Noah was sidelined by a hamstring injury. The rookie center is signed through the 2019/20 season.
Coach Jeff Hornacek isn’t ready to commit to a starting center for next season, but he admits Hernangomez will be in the mix. “It’s probably too early,’’ Hornacek said. “We still look at [Kristaps Porzingis] at the five sometimes, and Willy at the 4. And the way the league is going, we’re going to find one of those two guys if we play these teams that have a 6-7 4-man. One of those two guys is going to have to guard him.’’
There’s more this morning out of New York:
- Noah could start serving his 20-game suspension as early as Tuesday if he is medically cleared to return to practice, Berman adds in the same story. That would knock eight games off the suspension for this year and leave him out of action for the first 12 games of next season. Noah had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in late February.
- Carmelo Anthony was held out for his second straight game with a minor knee issue, notes Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. The Knicks played six rookies Saturday as they dropped to 27-46 and are now tied with the Magic for fourth place in our latest Reverse Standings.
- Even though the Knicks need backcourt help in the draft, they could take a long look at Kansas forward Josh Jackson, according to Neil Best of Newsday. Jackson is considered a top five pick, and Jayhawks coach Bill Self believes he has the versatility to succeed as a pro. “In the NBA they talk about skill sets,” Self said. “Does he have an NBA skill? I think Josh has multiple NBA skills. He’s a guard that can obviously play much bigger than that. You could almost play him at four spots offensively, and he’s big enough and quick enough that he could almost guard four sports defensively.” With Kansas being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament Saturday, Jackson is expected to declare for the draft soon.
Josh Jackson? If they can get him Melo has got to go, he could play the 2 and the 3.
Knicks fan here and was at last night’s game. Hernangomez is ‘decent’ and better placed as an above average backup than a starter. His scores are primarily within 5 feet due to solid paint work and offensive rebounding, however his defense is horrendous.
Then again…he’s better than Noah at this point, but not the long-term answer.
Yea but hernangomez is only a rookie. He will get better and hopefully expand his range. He still needs time to devolop, not everyone is an all star right away
Don’t get me wrong, I hope he does develop over time, however physical attributes of defending down low and lateral movement is what he struggles with. He needs a solid teacher that can show him how to player smarter, positioned defense. Rambus isn’t that guy…for now.
Hornacek low key calling phil jackson a clown for wanting to play 2 big lineups that clearly don’t work…Porzingis at the 5, Hernangomez off the bench. Still think Noah could command that 2nd unit on the defensive end if he were put in the right positions/is healthy, but that’s probably sailed at this point
Josh Jackson would be a good fit next to Melo as a 3/4 that can guard the opposing teams best player, and take pressure off Melo. That being said, it depends on the rest of the roster
Jackson is interesting, but he won’t be around when it’s their turn to pick (unless the lottery Gods are in their favor). Monk or Fox, if available, would be a nice pick.
youre all delusional Melo? Melo the most over
rated super star ever is gone as in gone for next year Josh Jackson? pleasevhesca yweener and will never be a star Fox of Kentuckybis the gitvthe Knicks should grab if available. This Future. John Wall point guard fits the Knicks biggest needs He’ll make KP a star
Are u delusional? how the hell are they ever gonna get john wall? Especially the way he is playing for D.C.?
100% agree with your assessment of Willy. He’s a energy big man with some ability to score off the bench, but watching him and a lazy looking Zinger play D together recently is painful.
If next year is another write off year, then by all means give him big minutes. He can’t be a starting center on a contending club though.