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Veteran
Kristaps Porzingis itching to play with Spanish League pal | New York Post
Hernangomez, 21, played in Sevilla with Porzingis for two seasons — his contract on loan from Real Madrid. Now Hernangomez, stockier than Porzingis and more of a low-post big, is back with Real Madrid.
Though he’s coming off the bench on a stronger team, Hernangomez is developing more because of Real Madrid’s facilities being better than the ones in Sevilla, according to his agent, Andy Miller.
Miller, who runs New Jersey-based ASM Sports, also reps Porzingis. He said he believes if Hernangomez were in this June’s draft: “He’d be a top-20 pick.’’
“I talk to him every day [by text],’’ Porzingis said. “The last two seasons, we were really good friends, hung out all the time outside of basketball. We have a really good connection.’’
Hernangomez’s English isn’t as strong as Porzingis’, so they communicate in Willy’s native tongue — Spanish.
“He does speak [English], but not that good,’’ Porzingis said. “I think he’s getting better, playing on Real Madrid, playing with a lot of American players. He wants to learn English more.’’
Playing sparingly early in the season, Hernangomez had a very tough adjustment to his new team. In the last month, his minutes have climbed. On the season, he has played 27 games, averaging 12 minutes, and 5.8 points per game on 68 percent shooting.