Charlotte Hornets: Why Willy Hernangomez will have a breakout season in 2018-19

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 19 : Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 19 : Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Following the trade that sent center Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets, the Charlotte Hornets have a lot to consider at the five spot. 

The trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets has left a gap at the center spot for the Charlotte Hornets. Howard was among the top five in rebounds last year and also was their second-leading scorer; right behind point-guard Kemba Walker. While everything seems in shambles right now, there is still hope for the Queen City team.

In return of the Howard trade, the Hornets received two draft picks and center Timofey Mozgov. It is unclear who much playing time the thirty-one year old will get this season, and it is also not confirmed on if he will be on the rost for the regular season. What can be answered, is who the starter will be at the five spot.

Willy Hernangomez

Based off of earlier reports, after Charlotte acquired the third-year Spaniard from the New York Knicks, it was revealed that Hernangomez was actually a target for the team in the 2015 NBA Draft. The Hornets were not able to draft him, due to the Knicks acquiring him a few picks before Charlotte’s in the second round.

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Hernangomez is a very versatile player; he can play in the post, and also let it rip from beyond the three-point line. The Hornets have a knack for getting stretch bigs as of late, which makes Hernangomez an asset to the team. While not having enough time to prove his worth, the Spaniard did have a great rookie season with knicks, earning him the honors of All-Rookie First Team (2016-17).

While the Hornets lost a beast of a player in Dwight Howard, it has been shown that Hernangomez can hold his own. For example, in the March 19th matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Hernangomez went off with 17 points, including a buzzer-beating three to end the half. In this game, Hernangomez was dominant against Joel Embid while Howard was on the bench. While Embid had a monstrous game in this one, it was shown that during every matchup that it looked as if Hernangomez was bullying Embid on the glass.

Hernangomez was not extremely active with the team; until he got his time to shine against the Knicks on March 17th. This was a loss for the Hornets, but it was also the first time that Hernangomez saw a significant amount of playing time.

In the last thirteen games of the season, excluding the Cleveland game (He only played for one minute), Hernangomez averaged 10.3 Points, and 8.2 Rebounds rebounds per game; while doing it with limited playing time. Also during those games, he had two double-doubles coming off the bench, and another as a starter during the Howard suspension against the Grizzlies.

Taking a closer look at Willy’s finish to the season, he put up 10+ points in eight of the team’s final 12 games, had four 10+ rebound games and three double-doubles.

Prediction

It is projected that Hernangomez will possibly be the starting center for the Hornets. He will be competing with Cody Zeller for the starting spot, but it feels as if Willy has the edge in this starting battle; especially after his showing in the Spanish League recently. While almost averaging a double-double at the end of last season, Hernangomez has proved that he has potential to do great things in this league.

With that being said, I predict Willy Hernangomez to average 16.5 points, and 13.2 rebounds per game this upcoming season. These numbers seem similar to those that Dwight had this previous season, but if Hernangomez is a starter, he will likely get more chances to score and grab more rebounds.

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I see a very positive outlook on the horizon for this Charlotte team this season. With impending possible free agent acquisitions, and Miles Bridges being on the team; I feel this Charlotte team will be among one the most athletic and versatile squads in the team’s history. It is important to note that Hernangomez will also be playing on Charlotte’s Summer League team, so I expect him to put up big numbers in these next few weeks.