Juancho Hernangomez excited to join the Spurs, shares unusual way he learned about getting traded / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA - Scanpix Credit GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA - Scanpix

Earlier this week, Spanish forward Juancho Hernangomez was traded from the Boston Celtics to the San Antonio Spurs. He gave an interview to Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express News, discussing these sudden changes.

Juan Hernangomez

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Hernagomez told the story of how he found out about getting traded: "It's a crazy story. I was at dinner (Tuesday night), and I didn't have my phone because somebody stole it after the Philly game."

"My brother (New Orleans center Willy Hernangomez) had tried to reach me," he said. "He was like, 'Oh, good luck on your new team. It's going to be awesome.' I told him like, 'What? Where am I going?' He said San Antonio, and I was really happy. It's a great opportunity for me," Juancho said.

This season Hernangomez played in only 18 games for the Celtics and averaged 1.1 points and 1.4 rebounds. The 26-year-old reflected on his time in Boston, and while he didn't have an important role in the Celtics, Juancho doesn't seem to hold any negative feelings towards his ex-team.

"It was a tough time," Hernangomez said. "I feel like I could have helped the team. I was ready for the opportunity, I was really excited to play for Boston, but it didn't work out like everybody thought. But no regrets. It is what it is. I tried to help with the young guys."

"They have a lot of talent, I tried to be a good teammate there and do everything I could. It was a great experience. Great group of guys, great talent, but it wasn't the right time for me. There wasn't space for me," he concluded.

Talking about his new squad, Hernangomez had some high praise for the Spurs franchise: "I love the way San Antonio competes every time. They beat us (the Celtics) two times this year. I know they are trying to rebuild, and they have young guys, and they are working really, really hard, and they compete every time. It's going to be fun."

Lastly, Juancho mentioned receiving a text message from a former Spur, Pau Gasol: "I got my phone today. I got a text from Pau saying, 'Hey, you are going to San Antonio. Call me today.' So, I will probably call him today, and he will tell me all the great things about (San Antonio) and the team."

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