Hernangomez Joins Toronto Raptors
Exciting news for basketball fans as Jauncho Hernangomez, formerly an NBA player, has signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors. Hernangomez recently gained recognition for his role as Bo Cruz, an aspiring NBA prospect in the Netflix movie “Hustle” alongside Adam Sandler. Let’s explore Hernangomez’s journey to this point and what his addition means for the Raptors.
A Breakout Star in “Hustle”
Before his acting debut with Sandler, Hernangomez had a somewhat obscure NBA career. Originally from Madrid, Spain, he was a highly touted basketball prospect who caught the attention of NBA scouts. The Denver Nuggets selected him with the 15th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Adjusting to the NBA was challenging for Hernangomez, and he spent 3.5 seasons with the Nuggets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020. It wasn’t until his time in Minnesota that he seemed to find his stride. In just 14 games with the Timberwolves, he averaged an impressive 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game before the season was interrupted by the pandemic.
A Rocky Journey
Hernangomez’s career has been marked by frequent team changes and trades. Since the end of the 2020-2021 season, he has already played for six different teams. Last summer, he was traded twice in just three weeks and experienced a similar situation in the winter.
After spending 1.5 seasons with the Timberwolves, Hernangomez was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in August. However, his time with the Grizzlies was short-lived as he was soon traded again, this time to the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he saw limited playing time with the Celtics, featuring in only 18 games.
In January, Hernangomez was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in just five games before being shipped off to the Utah Jazz before the trade deadline. He managed to play in 17 games with the Jazz, where he started nine and showed promise with averages of 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 43.8% from the 3-point range.
Despite his potential, the Jazz released Hernangomez when he became a free agent at the end of the season.
Raptors’ Forward Depth
Hernangomez’s addition to the Toronto Raptors brings depth to the forward position. The team recently signed Otto Porter Jr., a valuable bench player from the Golden State Warriors who played a crucial role in their 2022 NBA Championship win.
There are rumors circulating about the Raptors’ potential interest in trading for the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant. Although the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are also in the mix, the Raptors are considered strong contenders due to their combination of promising young players and draft picks that could be used in a trade package for Durant.
If the Raptors manage to acquire Durant, it might require parting ways with players like Scottie Barnes or Pascal Siakam, which could create more playing opportunities for Hernangomez. However, if a Durant trade doesn’t come to fruition, he may face a challenge in finding significant playing time behind Barnes, Porter, Chris Boucher, and OG Anunoby.
Barnes had an exceptional rookie season, leading to reduced playing time for Anunoby. As Anunoby seeks a larger role on the offensive end, he has even expressed a desire to be traded. The Portland Trail Blazers have shown interest in acquiring Anunoby, further impacting the Raptors’ rotation.
Conclusion
Jauncho Hernangomez’s signing with the Toronto Raptors opens up new possibilities for both the player and the team. His journey from a basketball prospect in Madrid to an NBA player with a budding acting career demonstrates his versatility and determination. While the Raptors’ potential pursuit of Kevin Durant adds an element of uncertainty, Hernangomez’s skills and experience will surely contribute to the team’s success.
FAQs
1. How did Jauncho Hernangomez become involved in the movie “Hustle”?
Hernangomez’s breakout role in “Hustle” came about due to his basketball background and on-court skills. The casting directors recognized his talent and believed he would be a perfect fit for the role of Bo Cruz, an aspiring NBA prospect.
2. Which team did Hernangomez have the most success with during his NBA career?
Hernangomez experienced the most success during his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In just 14 games, he showcased his abilities, averaging a career-best 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game before the season was interrupted.
3. What are the chances of the Toronto Raptors acquiring Kevin Durant?
The Toronto Raptors are considered strong contenders in the pursuit of Kevin Durant. With an appealing combination of talented young players and valuable draft picks, they have the assets to offer in a potential trade with the Brooklyn Nets. While other teams like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are also in the mix, the Raptors have a realistic chance of securing Durant’s services.
4. Will Hernangomez’s playing time be affected if the Raptors fail to acquire Durant?
If the Raptors cannot acquire Kevin Durant, Hernangomez may face challenges in finding significant playing time. The presence of talented players like Scottie Barnes, Otto Porter Jr., Chris Boucher, and OG Anunoby could limit his opportunities on the court. However, injuries and performance fluctuations could still open up doors for him to make a larger impact.
5. What other trade rumors surround the Raptors?
Aside from the potential trade for Kevin Durant, there are rumors involving OG Anunoby. The Portland Trail Blazers have expressed interest in acquiring Anunoby, which could reshape the Raptors’ rotation and create additional opportunities for players like Jauncho Hernangomez.
