Willy Hernangomez News, Rumors, Updates - New Orleans Pelicans

Continuing career in Spain Hernangomez signed a three-year contract with Spanish club FC Barcelona on Thursday.

Impact The 29-year-old had spent the past seven seasons in the NBA over stops with the Knicks, Hornets and Pelicans, but he'll continue his playing career in his native country after hitting free agency earlier this offseason when New Orleans declined his $2.56 million team option for 2023-24. Hernangomez likely could have found work with another NBA team on a deal for the veteran's minimum, but he'll instead return overseas on what's presumably a more lucrative contract. Given the length of the deal, Hernangomez's time in the NBA could well be over. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound center averaged 7.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game over 37 games with the Pelicans in 2022-23, but his lack of perimeter shooting and shot blocking made him a poor fit in the modern NBA.

JULY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Monday Hernangomez will return to the bench for Monday's contest against the Kings, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Impact With Jonas Valanciunas (calf) back in the lineup, Hernangomez will return to his normal reserve role. Across the center's first 29 games off the bench this season, Hernangomez is averaging 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over 13.2 minutes per game.

MARCH 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Making first start of season Hernangomez will join the first unit for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Impact Hernangomez will make his first start of the 2022-23 campaign Wednesday with Jonas Valanciunas (calf) and Larry Nance (ankle) sidelined. He has put up impressive numbers in his last three appearances, averaging 15.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 18.7 minutes and should be considered a top streaming option.

MARCH 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sneaky production off bench Hernangomez recorded nine points (2-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-6 FT), eight rebounds and three steals over 11 minutes during Saturday's 128-106 loss to the Knicks.

Impact Hernangomez saw additional run in the loss, due primarily to the fact Larry Nance was forced from the court due to an ankle injury. While it will be matchup-dependent, Hernangomez could be a player to consider, even in 12-team formats, if Nance misses time moving forward. He has the ability to rack up stats in a hurry and given that Jonas Valanciunas isn't setting the world on fire, managers may want to consider grabbing Hernangomez.

FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Double-doubles against Lakers Hernangomez logged 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-5 FT) and 11 rebounds across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 120-102 loss to the Lakers.

Impact Larry Nance Jr. missed this game due to left groin soreness, but he could be back right after the All-Star break. Hernangomez certainly made the most of his minutes Wednesday, and he also cleaned up late with six points in the final few minutes due to the lopsided score.

FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Willy Hernangomez | Pelicans-Kings Postgame Interview 2/5/2023

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 • YOUTUBE

Dominant off bench in victory Hernangomez racked up 22 points (7-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 16 rebounds, four assists and one block over 28 minutes during Sunday's 136-104 win over the Kings.

Impact Hernangomez had been out of the rotation for the Pelicans' past two games, but the absence of Jonas Valanciunas (quadriceps) allowed the 28-year-old to settle into a role on the second unit while Larry Nance replaced Valanciunas as the starting center. Though he saw a larger minutes load than Nance (20), it was a result of head coach Willie Green resting most of the team's starters down the stretch while the Pelicans took a 28-point lead into the final quarter. As a result, Hernangomez will likely struggle to replicate this level of playing time and production in more competitive games, even if Valanciunas misses more time.

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Willy Hernangomez on Jose Alvarado, last play | Pelicans vs Nuggets Postgame Interview 1/24/23

JANUARY 25, 2023 • YOUTUBE

Goes for 12 and six in loss Hernangomez logged 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one steal over 23 minutes during Tuesday's 99-98 loss to Denver.

Impact Hernangomez was back in the rotation Tuesday, putting up solid contributions for anyone who happened to stream him in. Jonas Valanciunas was limited to just 18 minutes as a result of early foul trouble, affording Hernangomez additional playing time. Given he hadn't even seen the court in the past two games, this should be viewed as more of an outlier as opposed to what we can expect moving forward.

JANUARY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Celtics trade rumors: Willy Hernangomez drawing interest as center insurance for Boston (report) Brad Stevens could turn to the brother of a recent former Celtic for some added center depth.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • MASSLIVE.COM

Good to go Friday Hernangomez (ankle) will play in Friday's game versus the Nets, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Impact Hernangomez grabbed a questionable tag leading up to Friday's contest, but he has officially been given the green light to take the floor. Hernangomez will presumably slot into his usual role as a double-digit minutes contributor off the bench in New Orleans' frontcourt.

JANUARY 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Friday Hernangomez is questionable for Friday's game versus the Nets due to a left ankle sprain.

Impact Hernangomez's potential absence could allow for extended minutes for Naji Marshall and Jaxson Hayes, with Larry Nance (shoulder) also questionable. If Hernangomez can't suit up Friday, his next chance to play will be Saturday's matchup with Dallas.

JANUARY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Posts 13 points in 17 minutes Hernangomez posted 13 points (4-7 FG, 5-6 FT) and four rebounds across 17 minutes during Friday's 127-116 victory over the 76ers.

Impact Hernangomez logged a few extra minutes with Jonas Valanciunas in foul trouble, compiling double-digit scoring for just the third time this month. While he did struggle to contain Joel Embiid, he did enough on the offensive end to at least break even. While Hernangomez does have the ability to put up 12-team value when afforded significant playing time, his opportunities are too few and far between to warrant attention outside of deeper leagues.

DECEMBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sets season high in scoring Hernangomez closed with 13 points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-7 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 22 minutes during Thursday's 126-117 win over the Spurs.

Impact Hernangomez saw an all-around showing in Thursday's victory, leading the Pelicans second unit in points, rebounds and assists while securing a season-high scoring total. Hernangomez, who was perfect at the free throw line, has recorded 10 or more points on three occasions this season.

DECEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Willy Hernangomez Recaps Win | Pelicans vs. Spurs Postgame Interview 12/22/2022

DECEMBER 23, 2022 • YOUTUBE

Sets season high in scoring Hernangomez posted 12 points (2-3 FG, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 20 minutes during Sunday's 121-106 win over the Nuggets.

Impact Hernangomez posted a season-high scoring total off the bench, providing New Orleans with one of two players who reached double figures on the second unit. Hernangomez has tallied 10 more points with five or more rebounds on two occasions this season.

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Falls just shy of double-double Hernangomez logged 10 points (3-7 FG, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds and one block over 17 minutes during Monday's 105-101 victory over the Thunder.

Impact Hernangomez narrowly missed securing his first double-double of the 2022-23 campaign, needing one more rebound to finish in double digits. He saw his largest workload of the season Monday evening, but this was likely due to the absence of Larry Nance, who was out of action while tending to a shoulder injury. Hernangomez is averaging 4.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 8.6 minutes so far this year (eight games).

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Makes rare appearance in win Hernangomez finished Wednesday's 129-110 win over the Spurs with three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 FT) and one rebound over five minutes.

Impact Hernangomez saw action for just the sixth time this season as the game descended into garbage time. Given he has played more than eight minutes only once and has a grand total of 20 points, fantasy managers are advised to steer clear outside of the deepest formats.

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

At end of bench Hernangomez posted two points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and one assist in eight minutes during Friday's 124-111 loss to the Suns.

Impact Hernangomez has now logged just 14 minutes in total thus far -- an immense drop from averaging 16.8 minutes per game with New Orleans last season. Even with Zion Williamson (hip) missing a second consecutive game, Hernangomez was superseded by Garret Temple, Larry Nance and Jaxson Hayes on Friday.

OCTOBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Not starting Friday Hernangomez will come off the bench during Friday's preseason finale against the Hawks.

Impact With Jonas Valanciunas sitting out for rest purposes, Hernangomez entered the starting lineup during Wednesday's exhibition and posted 17 points and seven rebounds. However, the veteran big man will return to his usual depth role during Friday's preseason finale. With Jaxson Hayes (elbow) expected to miss the start of the regular season, Hernangomez could begin the campaign as the top backup behind Valanciunas.

OCTOBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Big numbers in preseason loss Hernangomez posted 17 points (7-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one steal in 26 minutes during Wednesday's 120-103 preseason loss to the Heat.

Impact With Jaxson Hayes (elbow) and Jonas Valanciunas (rest) out, Hernangomez was the only available center left. He's always been a great per-minute performer and demonstrated that Wednesday. Fantasy managers in deep leagues may consider adding Hernangomez while Hayes -- who could miss the first week of the season -- remains sidelined.

OCTOBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Making first start of preseason Hernangomez will start Wednesday's preseason game against the Heat.

Impact With Jonas Valanciunas (rest) taking the night off, Hernangomez will draw the start at center in his place. The 28-year-old made 50 appearances with the Pelicans last season, averaging 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 16.8 minutes per game.

OCTOBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double in win Hernangomez produced 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds and an assist in 13 minutes in a 111-98 win Sunday in San Antonio.

Impact Hernangomez did most of his damage in the second half, scoring nine points and nine rebounds in seven minutes of playing time. The 28-year-old has scored at least 10 points in each of his three preseason games and is averaging 12.0 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. He posted a career-high 9.1 points last year and looks primed to repeat that performance.

OCTOBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

A tough mental shift: EuroBasket star one week, NBA supporting role the next

How do the stars of EuroBasket return to NBA training camps and to the less glorified "dirty work" of a floor spacer or decoy or defensive s...

OCTOBER 5, 2022

A tough mental shift: EuroBasket star one week, NBA supporting role the next

Spain's Willy Hernangomez Earns EuroBasket 2022 MVP Honors Willy Hernangomez of the New Orleans Pelicans won the 2022 EuroBasket MVP award due to his star turn with Spain this summer.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • SACBEE.COM

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A tough mental shift: EuroBasket star one week, NBA supporting role the next