Kristaps: Willy deserves
NOBODY is closer to Willy Hernangomez on the Knicks than Kristaps Porzingis.
As teenagers, the two shared a pro team in Spain and have always found a way to occupy adjacent lockers in the NBA, whether at home or on the road.
Amid Hernangomez’s emergence last season, they both professed a desire to become New York’s frontcourt of the future — a Euro duo that shares a common language (Spanish) and a penchant for scoring.
So it’s no surprise that as Hernangomez toils at the end of the bench, Porzingis is acting as both a friendly ear and an advocate for his playing time.
“He deserves it,” Porzingis said. “But we have a lot of big guys on the floor and I understand everybody’s fighting for those minutes. And not everybody is going to get what they deserve.”
Coach Jeff Hornacek was handed a surplus of centers on New York’s roster, and Hernangomez became the odd-man out. Once dubbed a cornerstone of the Knicks’ future, Hernangomez has totaled four minutes of garbage time through two games.
It’s an unexpected development following the 23-year-old’s All-Rookie selection last season. The Spaniard isn’t happy.
“He’s frustrated, obviously,” Porzingis said. “He wants to be on the floor. He’s frustrated. It’s completely normal. I understand that.
“I want to put positive thoughts in his head. With his work and proving in practice he can play, he will earn his minutes. I think every player goes through things like this. It’s not the end of the world. I think