3 rotation questions Raptors must answer when injured stars return
By Mike Luciano
2. What roles will Juancho Hernangomez play?
Hernangomez seemed to be more sizzle than steak early in his Raptors career, as he was more well-known for his role on the silver screen as Bo Cruz than his real-life basketball career. He started off poorly, but the last five games have been one of the best stretches he’s had in years.
After averaging 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in his last few games, Hernangomez was just one rebound shy of a double-double. Hernangomez had had some genuinely impressive moments in the Atlanta game, which could be a sign that his play is not just the product of him getting more shots in inflated minutes.
Juancho Hernangomez has some nice moments for the Toronto Raptors.
If the Raptors end up giving Koloko more G League time when the veterans return, Hernangomez could get a slight bump in minutes. The fact that he’s managed to be productive while generally being ineffective from 3-point range could be a sign that his game is evolving.
In the same way that Nurse will often throw Khem Birch a bone with some quick cameos in the second quarter, Juancho could be in line for a similar diet of minutes if Nurse likes what he brings to the table. If he starts shooting well again, Hernangomez could become a real weapon.