With the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Juan Hernangomez, a versatile 6'9 wing player from Spain.
NBA Draft 2016: Nuggets take Juan Hernangomez with 15th pick
The Nuggets grab the youngster out of Spain.
Hernangomez is a little older than most of the other international prospects in the 2016 Draft, turning 21 in September. He still has some skills to develop in the NBA, but Hernangomez stands out because of his versatility, easily able to play both small and power forward. He’s as comfortable using his size in the lane as he is on the perimeter, using decent ball handling mainly as a way to drive past slower defenders and get to the rim. He’s an average spot-up shooter, shooting 36 percent in the first tier of professional basketball in Spain, but he’s improved dramatically over the past two seasons.
Right now, Hernangomez’s more natural position is at the three, but his development into a power forward could be the most interesting part of his evolution over the next couple of seasons. NBA teams are desperate for versatile athletes like him who can shift positions, and Hernangomez potentially fits that mold as a comfortable spot-up shooter with size.
Hernangomez has the tools to become a solid defender, but he’s not there yet. He’s a fluid athlete who runs the floor well, and it’s not surprising to see him elevating for blocks and scrapping for loose balls like he is in the video below. However, his overall technique needs work.
Hernangomez can be overpowered when playing against opponents his height, and like most players entering the NBA he’ll need to work on defensive tendencies and principles. He is also a questionable decision maker, holding the ball too long and too selfishly, although his ability to occasionally surprise a defense with a clever pass proves there’s room to grow. Mainly, as Hernangomez transitions to the NBA, he’ll have to adapt to his new job as a role player who will only be asked to be a tertiary scorer.
Hernangomez is very much a prospect, projecting as a high-end role player but potentially turning into a starting-caliber player should all of his skills reach their full potential. Still, that shouldn’t be an expectation for Hernangomez. Between his size, versatility and constant activity, there’s clearly room for him as an energy wing in his first few years in the league. Whatever Hernangomez grows into after that is up to him.
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