From NBA draft pick to Netflix star: the versatile journey of Juancho Hernangómez
In short: After seven seasons in the NBA, Juancho Hernangómez has proven he can master more than just the court. From scoring 27 points against the Warriors to starring alongside Adam Sandler in a Netflix drama, his career is a testament to adaptability and relentless professional evolution.
Born on 28 September 1995, Juan Alberto "Juancho" Hernangómez Geuer has navigated a complex professional landscape. His rise began in the youth ranks of Real Madrid and CB Las Rozas before he signed his first professional contract with CB Estudiantes in 2012. By the 2015–16 ACB season, he had already established himself as the ACB Best Young Player, averaging 9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds.
His entry into the NBA was marked by high expectations, being selected 15th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2016 NBA draft. His tenure in North America was a whirlwind of movement; he played for the Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs, the Utah Jazz, and the Toronto Raptors. This period was marked by significant highs and lows, including a season-high 27-point performance against the Golden State Warriors in February 2017 and a difficult 2020–21 season in Minnesota involving COVID-19 and contract disputes.
After seven years away, Hernangómez rejoined European basketball in 2023 by committing to Panathinaikos on a two-year, 4,500,000€ contract. While his first season in Athens faced public criticism from coach Ergin Ataman, he rebounded to become a vital rotation player, earning an All-EuroLeague Second Team selection and winning the EuroLeague in 2024. Beyond the hardwood, he transitioned to acting in the 2022 Netflix film Hustle, playing the character Bo Cruz alongside Adam Sandler, a role that earned him international recognition for his natural charisma.
His success is deeply rooted in a basketball lineage; his mother, Margarita Geuer Draeger, won a European championship with Spain in 1993, and his brother, Willy, is also a professional player.
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