Hernangomez in surprise fight for big-man minutes

After Willy Hernangomez made the All-Rookie first team last year, there were high expectations for the Knicks big man entering this season.

But in a crowded frontcourt, the 23-year-old Spaniard still is competing to see the floor at all.

During the season-opening loss at Oklahoma City on Thursday, Hernangomez checked in during garbage time, logging four total minutes and scoring three points.

Enes Kanter got the start at center and Kyle O’Quinn re- corded 22 minutes as the primary backup. With Joakim Noah currently serving a 12-game suspension after testing positive for PED use, there projects to be an even greater logjam soon.

At practice Friday, coach Jeff Hornacek discussed whether the big-man rotation will be in constant flux.

“You’ll have to see,” he said. “You earn your minutes. Right now, Kyle has earned those minutes. But he has to continue to earn them. Same with Enes. And Willy just has to be ready. When he gets a minute or two, three, four, five minutes, whatever it is, I won’t say he has to make the most of it because to me, then guys tend to think, ‘Oh, I got to try and score.’ It’s just playing hard, getting a defensive rebound, taking a charge, doing those kind of things.

“Willy is working hard. And there might be a time when he gets that opportunity. He’ll be ready.” After knocking down his first jumper, forward Michael Beasley quickly had to exit the opener due to a sprained left ankle. He did not return.

Beasley, who was wearing a boot at practice, is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Pistons.

The Knicks signed former North Carolina forward Isaiah Hicks to a two-way contract. Hicks averaged 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in his senior season with the Tar Heels in 2016.

The undrafted big man was invited to Hornets training camp, but was cut. He practiced with the team Friday and is expected to suit up in the G-League for the Westchester Knicks.

With limited tickets available for Saturday’s home opener versus the Pistons, the Knicks have a chance of selling out. That probably won’t be the norm this season. They drew an average of 16,000 for their three preseason games. Capacity is 19,812. The Knicks have sold out 277 of the past 278 regular-season games — the lone miss coming during the blizzard game last March against the Pacers.

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