Who is Guillermo Hernangomez, and should the Spurs draft him?
Selecting international players who most NBA fans aren't familiar with is a trademark move by the San Antonio Spurs. And over the years it's worked out well, with Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker both establishing themselves as Hall of Fame players in a system that brought out the best in their ability.
Should Gregg Popovich and the Spurs drink from that well again later this month? They have the 26th overall pick in the draft, and in an offseason of uncertainty and potential transition, how they use it is especially vital.
What about Spanish big man Guillermo Hernangomez? Here's San Antonio Express-News reporter Jeff McDonald with more:
"In a way, Hernangomez projects as a next generation Tiago Splitter, and that’s a compliment. He is tough-minded and hard-nosed, with high basketball IQ , and a deft passing touch for a center. He isn’t much of an athlete, and won’t be much of a shot-blocker, but shows good instincts defending the pick-and-roll, a must for an NBA big man. Expected to return to the Spanish League next season, Hernangomez is not a player who appears ticketed to make an immediate impact on the team that drafts him. Like Splitter before him, Hernangomez could use more time to develop overseas before making the leap to the NBA."
Another draft-and-stash prospect may not be in San Antonio's best interest, especially if they need to replace Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Tim Duncan's production. But if at least two of those three return, drafting a big like Hernangomez would be a smart play for the future.
And the Spurs are known for always looking two steps ahead.
(h/t: San Antonio Express-News)
Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports
