After unexpectedly butting his way into the Nuggets rotation as a rookie, Juancho Hernangomez looked ready to take on an even bigger role entering the 2017-18 season.
Hernangomez moved one spot up in the pecking order at small forward when Danilo Gallinari went to the Los Angeles Clippers in a sign-and-trade this summer. But in late October, Hernangomez was dealt a curveball when he was diagnosed with mononucleosis.
Doctors ordered Hernangomez to rest and recover. He wound up missing 10 games — fewer than many anticipated — and has since reclaimed his spot in Denver’s rotation.