New Orleans Pelicans: Willy Hernangómez is the backup the Pels needed

New Orleans Pelicans: Willy Hernangomez’s journey

The Madrid center was signed as a free agent in November after leaving the Charlotte Hornets, where his playing time gradually waned. Hernangómez’s peak in the NBA remains his rookie season with the Knicks. At Madison Square Garden, he played about 18 minutes per game for 72 contests and scored a career-high (for now) eight points a night.

Coming into the season, it seemed like Hernangómez was essentially just going to be another body for Van Gundy. Hayes is a more urgent development project, while Melli showed some intriguing flashes in his first season and seemed like a better fit next to Zion Williamson because of his theoretical shooting.

Once their prospects didn’t pan out, Hernangómez went from forgotten to vital. Over his last eight games, he is averaging seven points and six rebounds in about 20 minutes. That’s only about five minutes less than Adams and around the same number of points and rebounds, albeit on a slightly worse field goal percentage.

Most importantly, he has added a steady presence to a a Pelicans’ bench that has been one of the worst in the NBA this season. Hernangomez isn’t flashy but being steady and solid is more important for the Pels.