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Charlotte Hornets: Willy Hernangomez shines in Summer League

By Brandon Croce

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after getting a foul call on a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Thunder 88-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after getting a foul call on a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hornets defeated the Thunder 88-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Willy Hernangomez has been shining in Las Vegas, which could earn him more playing time with the Charlotte Hornets this coming season.

When the Charlotte Hornets traded with the New York Knicks for Willy Hernangomez looked to be a steal. The 24-year old had a promising rookie year in the Big Apple, including being named to the All-NBA Rookie team. However, he fell out of the rotation last year in New York and saw his playing time cut in half (18.9 minutes per game to 9.8).

A trade to Charlotte seemed it would be a fresh start for Hernangomez but he didn’t see much more time on the court in Charlotte. He finished the year averaging only 6.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 11.1 minutes per game.

This year though it may be tough to keep the center on the bench if his Summer League performance is any indication of things to come. Through the first three games, Hernangomez has had a double-double each game. He leads the team in rebounds per game (11.7), blocks per game (1.70) and is second in points per game (18.3). He is only behind Malik Monk, who had 23 points in the first game but has missed the last two due to a thumb injury.

The Hornets have made some changes at center this offseason by trading Dwight Howard away and bringing back Bismack Biyombo inseparate trades. The addition of Biyombo, along with Cody Zeller, presents a tough situation for first-time head coach James Borrego.

Hernangomez has shown a great ability to crash the boards early in his career. If he is able to continue to show the offensive performance he has in the Summer League during the regular season, it wouldn’t be surprising if he eventually worked his way into the starting lineup.

Next: Charlotte Hornets make the right move by signing Tony Parker

The Charlotte Hornets begin the tournament round of the Summer League with a game against the Golden State Warriors tonight at 10:30 PM on WatchESPN.

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