Porzingis eagerly awaiting arrival of Knicks stash prospect Hernangomez
He's a 20-year-old rookie, but Kristaps Porzingis already looks like the future of the New York Knicks. As such, he's well on his way to earning a measure of leverage with the front office, and a say in personnel decisions.
As it is, the 7-foot-3 Latvian center is quietly angling for the Knicks to bring his Spanish league friend, Willy Hernangomez, stateside.
On draft day this past summer, the Knicks traded the Philadelphia 76ers two future second-rounders in exchange for the 35th pick they used to select Hernangomez. While Porzingis came aboard right away, the 6-foot-11 Hernangomez was stashed back in Spain.
"I hope he's here," Porzingis told Marc Berman of The New York Post. "If it was in my hands, I'd obviously want him to be here. I think he really wants to be here. I'm not sure - both sides have to make a decision. I'd really love to see him here. ...
"I talk to him every day. The last two seasons, we were really good friends, hung out all the time outside of basketball. We have a really good connection."
The two big men played together with Seville of the ACB league over the last two seasons. Hernangomez is averaging just 12.1 minutes per game this season for powerhouse Real Madrid, but he's been productive, averaging 17.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per 36 minutes, while shooting 68 percent from the field.
Porzingis is confident his former teammate's skill set would translate well to the NBA - especially to the Knicks' offensive system.
"He's big, very good hook shot with both hands," Porzingis said. "He really knows how to hold his defender. He's really good in the post. The triangle offense would fit very well."
Hernangomez's agent, Andy Miller, is just as anxious to get his client to New York, but understands the process would need to clear a few hurdles first.
"There's a lot of variables that have to evolve," Miller said. "They have to get through free agency and the draft and he has a long season. My perspective is I'd like to get him being here to train and develop sooner than later."