NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates 
After missing out on LeBron James and losing Dean Wade in free agency, the Cleveland Cavaliers had to pivot. Waiting for James to make his decision, while worth the risk, left very few options on the wing once the Cavs were shunned. The front office had to get creative, check every couch cushion, and the international space to find a diamond in the rough.
Enter, Mario Hezonja.
Advertisement
It is hard to say, perhaps near impossible to say, that Hezonja will turn out to be a diamond. He fizzled out in the NBA prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has rebuilt his value overseas with Panathinaikos, UNICS, and Real Madrid. In his most recent season in Spain, Hezonja averaged 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the floor and 36.6% from three-point territory (on just under six attempts per game). Those are solid numbers for the NBA, but overseas play is different for a number of reasons.
Now 31 years old, it is difficult to say exactly what the Cavs are getting in Hezonja. He is listed as 6’9″ and 242 pounds, both higher than what he was previously listed as. Size is something on the wing that the Cavs have continuously needed (along with athleticism), and Hezonja should be able to provide that at the very least.
During media day, when asked he brings to the Cavs, Hezonja focused on energy and hustle. “Well.. very hardworking player that plays 200% every day,” Hezonja said. “There is no off games, super versatile, can do all on the on the court with confidence, grit, and a lot of hunger.”
Flaming out in the NBA the first time undoubtedly provides some fire and desire to get back and be successful, and Hezonja has an opportunity to carve out a role in Cleveland. The Cavs’ bench is thin, even by their standards, and the losses of Wade and Max Strus will compound their issues on the wing. Acquiring Peyton Watson helps, but Hezonja will have a certain level of responsibility right out of the gate. That may be an uncomfortable reality, but the Cavs are counting on him — as well as growth from Jaylon Tyson — to fill the cracks in the roster.
Advertisement
Hezonja comes into a good opportunity with…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cavs-season-preview-mario-hezonja-140000088.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-10-02 14:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
