OKLAHOMA CITY – The Knicks’ starting frontcourt of the future is now headlining the World Team in the All-Star Rising Stars Challenge on Friday in New Orleans.
Spanish rookie center Willy Hernangomez will replace Emmanuel Mudiay on the World Team, according to sources. Mudiay will miss his sixth straight game Wednesday due to a back injury.
Hernangomez will pair with his buddy and former Sevilla teammate Kristaps Porzingis on the World squad made up of rookies and sophomores. Hernangomez also will make his second straight start alongside Porzingis on Wednesday against the Thunder as center Joakim Noah heals from a hamstring. Hernangomez and Porzingis were the starting tandem in Sunday’s victory over San Antonio.
The 22-year-old Hernangomez, a second-round stash pick obtained from the Sixers in a draft-night deal in 2015, has improved steadily across his rookie season with his rugged post play, rebounding and passing.
Hernangomez’s per-36 minute averages are excellent – 15.4 points and 13.7 rebounds – and in his last seven games, he has averaged 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in 24.9 minutes. Hernangomez also has had his share of DNPs, even recently, and is averaging 15 minutes per night. Overall, he’s averaging 6.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. He leads all rookies in field goal percentage (54.4). His pick-and-roll defense is one reason he’s not on the floor more.
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek admitted Wednesday that Noah’s the better defender, but added: “Willy’s ability to make plays sometimes is really helpful, sees the court well and rolls hard to the basket.’’
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