After the New York Knicks traded Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, President Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry officially embraced a full rebuilding process. Along with Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina, there were high expectations for Willy Hernangomez after averaging 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in his rookie season.
To begin the 2017-18 NBA season, Hernangomez has only averaged 10.2 minutes in 11 games as head coach Jeff Hornacek is playing Enes Kanter and Kyle O'Quinn primarily at the center position. After learning about the term ‘garbage time,' the sophomore center had the following to say according to Marc Berman of New York Post:
“If I get those minutes, I will use it,’’ Hernangomez said of mop-up duty. “I think I can play more minutes than garbage minutes. Every time I go on the court, whether starting or the last two minutes, I enjoy playing basketball.’’
In a time when teams are embracing small ball, the Knicks currently have four centers on their roster including Joakim Noah. While Hernangomez deserves to be part of the team's rotation, it is hard to argue with Hornacek after the team's surprising 10-9 start.
Should the Knicks find themselves headed to the draft lottery again, Hernangomez should see more playing time later on in the season. However, for now, he will maximize any opportunities he gets even if they are in fact garbage minutes.
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