Analysis: Nuggets’ Rookies in Vegas Summer League action
By Drew Albee
Juan Hernangomez: Off and Running
With the 15th pick of June’s draft, the Nuggets selected little-known Spaniard, Juan “Juancho” Hernangomez. Despite being a mystery to many American basketball fans, Juancho has made his presence felt in Vegas thus far.
The skinny Spanish big man gets bullied in the post by stronger players, but he is seemingly always where the ball is on the offensive glass. He appears to have a knack for snatching offensive rebounds, as he has ripped eight down through three games.
Juan Hernangomez on the offensive glass. That's one of his skills that makes him a little more intriguing than your typical stretch 4.
— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) July 9, 2016
Coming out of the draft, Hernangomez’s motor drew praise and it is easy to see why. It seems like Juancho’s errors come when he’s playing too fast and his style appears a little out of control, but in a good way (if that makes sense). Juancho gets his arms in passing lanes and is near seemingly every rebound and loose ball.
Hernangomez has a myriad of tools at his disposal: shooting stroke, size, length, great handles for a player of his size, passing ability, quick feet on defense and a nose for sniffing out offensive rebounds.
Juancho, like Murray, appears to have progressed during his time with the Nuggets in Vegas, as his performance against Miami on Monday was his best yet. In 34 minutes against the Heat, Hernangomez piled up 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a couple of steals in 34 minutes.
While they have him up-close in Vegas, the coaching staff wants to get a good, long look at Hernangomez in order to decide whether or not to bring him over from Europe to the NBA this season. So far, Hernangomez is averaging 11.0 points (on 68.8% shooting!), 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a steal in 26.3 minutes per game in Sin City.
He definitely needs to improve his interior defense and add strength and muscle to his wiry frame, but Hernangomez appears to be a great addition for the Nuggets.
Will we see Juancho in the Nuggets’ powder blue and yellow next season?
Grade through three games: A-
Hernangomez has shown that he belongs at this level, in my opinion. He has proven to be a valuable stretch-four who can handle the ball, pass, shoot and rebound effectively. I think bringing Juancho over to the Nuggets’ NBA roster and getting him into the weight room with trainer Steve Hess sooner than later would be the wisest move.
Next: Petr Cornelie