Knicks practice notes: Willy Hernangomez has ankle sprain, but starting center spot is his to lose

The New York Knicks practiced Tuesday in the lead-up to Wednesday night’s showdown with the Orlando Magic. (Very important to the tank, FYI). Recently-acquired Chasson Randle got some time to work with the offense, so hopefully he’ll get some playing time.

Let’s start with the good news: Kristaps Porzingis is likely to play after missing the past few games with an injured ankle.

Sadly, best buddy Willy Hernangomez, will sit out due his own ankle injury, suffered Monday against Toronto, per Ian Begley:

Willy Hernangomez is unlikely to play against Orlando tomorrow due to an ankle sprain. If Hernangomez doesn't play, Kyle O'Quinn will start at center. Kristaps Porzingis may also see some minutes at center. With Joakim Noah likely out for the rest of the season, the starting center job is Hernangomez's to lose at this point, per Jeff Hornacek.

Willy’s job to lose? That’s fantastic. When Willy does return, he and his teammates will be evaluated in part on how they run the offense, which is simultaneous no-shit obvious and just a little bit creepy:

Jeff Hornacek says Knicks players will be evaluated at the end of the season, in part, on how well they perform in the team's offense, which relies heavily on the triangle: "As times goes on, you say can they get it? Are they getting better at it?" Hornacek said Tuesday. "End of the year comes and we're having our discussions and you say, 'Can this guy play this offense?' We'll say either yay or nay or he's getting it, he's getting better. So I'm sure that's part of evaluations this summer."

I mean...yeah, players are evaluated on how they fit the scheme. But we’ve been playing the “is so-and-so a Triangle fit” game for three years now. Let’s get our dudes to defend, and add some more dudes that can defend in the summer. That would be nice.