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Charlotte Hornets: Willy Hernangomez is showing out in summer league

By Jerry Stephens

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Willy Hernangomez #41 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets have performed well at the Las Vegas Summer League thanks in large part to the play of Willy Hernangomez.

Willy Hernangomez was a player to watch for the Charlotte Hornets heading into the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League but even he has exceeded expectations so far. The 24-year old has not only been the team’s best player but also one of the best big men in Vegas this year. The Queen City organization has to like what they’ve seen from him so far this offseason.

Hernangomez looks like he is taking the next step in his development this summer as he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career. While summer league performances should be taken with a grain of salt, Willy’s play is promising. With impressive showings, he is making a strong first impression on new head coach James Borrego.

Borrego is set to implement a new system this season and Hernangomez could be a perfect fit for his fast tempo style of play. Willy should have a spot in JB’s rotation and receive ample minutes but if he continues to play this well, there is an outside chance that he could claim the starting center spot over Cody Zeller.

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Looking at his stats through the Hornets’ first four summer league games, Hernangomez has averaged 18.3 points per game, 12.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.8 assists while shooting 50% from the field in 28 minutes per game. Willy’s also showcased his improved shooting range by stepping out to the three-point line on more than one occasion as he’s made a total of five three’s which matches how many he made all of last season.

His ability to spread the floor would add a new wrinkle to Charlotte’s offense and could be the perfect fit for a five-out offensive scheme which the Hornets have used a bit in summer league. No other Hornets’ center has shown that they can knock down three’s on a consistent basis. We’ll see if Willy’s shooting can carry over to the regular season.

Outside of his outside shooting, Hernangomez has looked good with his back to the basket and in pick and roll situations. Although, he still needs to drastically improve his defensive awareness and rim protection as he’s struggled in those areas and on the defensive end in general this summer.

The former second-round pick in 2015 has recorded a double-double in all four games this summer league. Hernangomez leads Charlotte in scoring, rebounds, and blocks as well. He ranks third in the entire summer league in rebounds per game behind only Amile Jefferson and Ante Zizic.

Willy is in for a bigger role next season after appearing in 22 games for the Hornets in 2017-18. The 6’11 big man showed initial promise during his rookie season as he was named to the All-Rookie First Team but his progress stall with the New York Knicks in his sophomore campaign.

After a full summer with Charlotte under his belt, Hernangomez is in prime position to continue his development and possibly have a breakout season under James Borrego.

Next: Grading Mitch Kupchak's move as GM

Could Willy Hernangomez finally realize his full potential and be the starting center of the future for the Charlotte Hornets? Only time will tell but his performances in the summer league have made him a standout player.

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