WILL GET MORE TIME?
Yes, even if it’s only to boost his trade value
Was this “Bullyball” or “Willyball”?
“Bullyball” was the term Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek used to describe a philosophical change taking place as the team attempts to manage four traditional centers on its roster. The Knicks are hoping to solve the center glut by the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
The strategy might also be termed “Willyball” — as it appears a way to keep young center Willy Hernangomez happy as other teams come calling.
In Sunday’s victory in Dallas, Hornacek used all three of his active centers — including Hernangomez. The Knicks coach said he’s considering using the club’s plethora of size to combat small-ball teams instead of adjusting to them.
That was music to Hernangomez’s ears as the Spaniard told The Post for the second time in two weeks if he doesn’t play, he’d accept a trade elsewhere.
The Post reported the Knicks have received more inquiries about Hernangomez than anyone else on their roster.
“I like it,’’ Hernangomez told The Post of the new big-man plan. “It would be more of a chance for me to play. I think sometimes we have to use our advantage. We have a lot of big guys — KO [Kyle O’Quinn], Enes [Kanter], KP [Kri- staps Porzingis] and me. We could use our height instead of going small against a small team. I think it’s a great idea. Hopefully we can do it.”
Hernangomez, the 2015 secondround pick, seemed heartened by news other clubs have interest in him.
“I feel great to know other teams are interested about me, right?,’’ he said. “My situation is like this right now, not playing much. But I’m ready. I like to be with my teammates. I like to be a part of this team. But I don’t want to [sound] selfish, but I want to play. I’m ready for everything.’’
Against Dallas, the Knicks were missing combo forward Michael Beasley, making it easier for Hornacek to go big. But the coach sounded as if this bigger-is-better philosophy is a new thing.
“We have to figure out if going small against these teams is to our benefit or just powerball it,’’ Hornacek said after the Dallas win. “Billy got in there. Our centers, Enes, KO provided 21 points 28 rebounds. We have to look at that as we move forward. If we don’t go small, just bullyball it.’’
The Knicks know they need to do something at the trade deadline and prefer to move O’Quinn, who is expected to opt out of his contract at season’s end. Sources said a couple of playoff-bound teams have asked about O’Quinn as a rental.
Trading O’Quinn would open the door for Hernangomez, who all summer was called a building block by the Knicks new regime, and maybe even untradeable veteran Joakim Noah, who still can help defensively.
Team president Steve Mills, general manager Scott Perry and vice president of player development Craig Robinson were on the threegame road trip and the Hernangomez conundrum came up in talks with Hornacek. One theory is the Knicks are concerned Hernangomez’s trade value will go down if he continues to rot on the bench.