A Mirror Image: Juancho Hernangomez' Historical Comparisons
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Juan Hernangomez greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number fifteen overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After a strong performance in the LVSL, Juancho Hernangomez has more than earned a spot on the Nuggets’ roster. But how does he fit into their long-term plans?
Coming into this year’s draft, many suspected that with the 15th overall pick the Denver Nuggets would select a draft-and-stash prospect. In fact, after the draft many assumed that they did just that.
With that pick the Nuggets selected a thin Spanish prospect named Juancho Hernangomez. He was relatively unknown power forward who would have to face an uphill battle if he wanted to make the roster this season.
It was assumed that Denver’s roster was too deep for Hernangomez to make the cut. But that was before he played in the Las Vegas Summer League.
When Hernangomez first took the floor in the LVSL, it became clear that he was determined to make the team. He displayed everything that made him so notable in Liga ACB.
But now that he’s made the team, how good can Hernangomez become? Will he have a place in the Nuggets‘ future?
Strengths:
With Juancho Hernangomez’ play in the LVSL, one of his strengths became very apparent: he is a prototype hustle player.
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He was scrapping for every rebound, block and loose ball, especially if it meant that the Nuggets odds of winning would be improved. Hernangomez played with an almost unmatched hyperactive energy whenever he stepped on the floor.
Hernangomez has fantastic length and explosiveness, which have both helped him gain an edge off the boards against most other big men. But where he really surprised, was with his deceptive toughness.
Hernangomez’ intensity is almost unheard of for a player of his body frame; however, his frame is actually used to his advantage. He is incredibly light on his feet and very fast, much faster than most other big men.
He manages to get most of his rebounds simply because he is faster than his opponents. It’s also a positive that speed appears as if it will transition well into the NBA.
Another strength of Hernangomez is his offensive fluidity.
He fits into the mold of a capable spread-four, which will be very valuable to the Nuggets given the league’s current trajectory. Although he isn’t a fantastic three-point shooter, he is more than capable from beyond the arc, as well as from mid-range.
Hernangomez will do most of his damage as either a spot-up shooter or from pick and fades. In fact, if he is able to further his ability as a shooter, he may see some playing time at the small forward position.
Weaknesses:
Even though Hernangomez plays with an unexpected toughness, he’ll have no choice but to gain weight if he wants to compete against NBA bodies. If not, then he’ll get taken advantage of whenever he faces more physically mature players on the defensive end.
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In fact, Hernangomez should look to improve his defensive abilities from all over the floor. There are many times in which he gambles too often by attempting tough steals and biting on easy fakes. This could be a hinderance to Mike Malone’s team minded defense.
However, this can be fixed with proper coaching and more playing experience.
Another weakness of Hernangomez is his inconsistency as a scorer. He is a very streaky shooter, who tends to stay cold whenever he misses a few from deep.
This flaw should be easily fixable under the guidance of players such as Danilo Gallinari and Mike Miller, so it’s not that dire. Also, Hernangomez’ knack for doing all the “little things” will keep him on the floor even when he is struggling with his shot.
Who does compare to?
Ceiling: Udonis Haslem
Floor: Anthony Randolph
How ever good Juancho Hernangomez will be, really does depend on whether or not he’ll be able to add the necessary weight to compete at the next level.
It may not seem like it, but size is incredibly crucial in the NBA. Even though there have been exceptions to this (i.e. Kevin Durant), it’s always smarter to be on the safer side of added strength.
This will help Hernangomez grab even more rebounds and blocks, and if he adds weight properly, it won’t have a negative effect on his speed. So thank goodness, that the Nuggets have Steve Hess as their strength coach.
It’ll just take some time to see if he’ll be able to challenge his opponents physically as well as he has to this point.
Also, it’s worth noting that Hernangomez hasn’t had that large of a sample size. So at this point it’s unknown how high his potential ceiling could be.