Willy Hernangómez’s career in the NBA is not being easy. Since making his debut in 2016 with the New York Knicks, the Spanish international has had more disappointments than joys, more games away than in, more minutes on the bench than on the court. However, there is something that can never be blamed on him: his desire to succeed and squeeze every moment that he is on the court to vindicate himself. He did it in the Knicks and in the Charlotte Hornets, and now in dysfunctional New Orleans Pelicans, without sporting direction and who lose more than they win.
In the victory against Washington Wizards (127-102), the fourth of the season for the franchise this season in 20 games already, Willy had one of those moments to squeeze his options. And it did not disappoint. And there are already two after the duel against the Indiana Pacers. He played 22 minutes as a replacement in the rotation for Jonas Valaciunas and ahead of Jaxson Hayes, who was knocked out by Willie Green’s decision. He played the end of the first and third quarters, as well as the beginning of the second and much of the last when all the fish was sold. He closed with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. You cannot do more with less.
Zion Williamson Mystery
It is the second time this season that he exceeds 20 minutes on the court and the second also that it shoots beyond ten points. Both cases, of course, are related. Only his defensive input remains patchy: Harrell didn’t have much trouble when paired with him. While waiting for the Zion Williamson mystery to be solved (he has not yet debuted this season due to injury), Willy must continue as he has been up to now: waiting his turn and making the most of it.