We’re approaching a year now, February 2018, where the Charlotte Hornets picked up perhaps one of the best transactions they’ve made in recent years. In 2016-17 Willy Hernangomez was selected with 9 Points and 8 Rebounds a game to the 1st team all NBA rookie team. This was a fantastic accomplishment considering he was the 35th pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Last Year the Hornets traded Johnny O’Bryant and two second picks for Willy. They subsequently signed him to a 2 year deal paying him 1.5 Million this season and 1.7 Million next season.
Hernangomez
is now 24 years old and finds himself in the role as a key contributor with
Cody Zeller still on the sideline injured.
He has seized has time on the court backing up Bismack Biyombo, and
taken advantage of his minutes. The 6
foot 11 inch Spaniard has shown flashes of talent off the bench in recent
games. At home against Sacramento Willy
had 11 points and 16 rebounds, and in a win over Phoenix he had 6 Points and 13
Rebounds. We have to remember that these
numbers are likely being put up with a 2nd team offense where Tony
Parker is essentially a 6th starter, and Miles Bridges, Malik Monk,
MKG are all chipping in here desperately trying to develop. This is an odd mix. We know that Coach James Borrego loves to
play matchups vs playing a set rotation.
When this group is on the court, there are organizational goals and
expectations that supersede the goals the team has for its 3rd
string Center.
Most fans
and the Organization scrutinize Bridges minutes the most, because it appears
that he has the highest ceiling, and on any given night can be draining three
points and putting up highlight dunks.
Monk and MKG many may argue are trying to get as many points in their limited
roles fighting for an opportunity to get on the court with the starting
five. Monk especially is earning a
reputation for putting up big point umbers in garbage time games. Tony Parker is on the court trying to spell
Kemba Walker without creating a huge drop off.
At times he has been spectacular, but most often has been more than a
solid a contributor.
Outside of Zeller, much of the team has remained healthy up through the halfway point of the season. This to me makes his recent numbers so fascinating. He literally is creating all of his shots off offensive rebounds. He a typical European big man game where he adds a nice touch to an outside shot rarely used in Charlotte. He shoots 40% from the three point circle. He also is a rebounding machine. Its not because he is a near 7 footer. Willy has a high motor and ferocious around the rim. He uses his frame and gets physical for lots of his rebounds and out hustles everyone for the remaining board. This recent streak has got have some fans wondering why aren’t teams giving a former first team rookie the opportunity to get minutes.
I love the
pick up by the Hornets. We spend a lot
of time focusing on the 55 Million owed to Batum, Marvin Williams, and Biyombo,
but they clearly put some smart money into investing in Willy. His salary may also allow him to be packed
with a Veteran player in trade scenario that doesn’t involve the Hornets
ransoming their next two year’s worth of first-rounders to dump salary. As, Zeller continues to be out watch Willy in
his minutes and I believe you’ll indeed come to believe the Hornets have
acquired a sleeper pick up that adds much needed depth.
