Why Mario Hezonja could be NBA's most underrated offseason signing
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Why Mario Hezonja could be NBA's most underrated offseason signing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cavaliers seemed content to run it back before they made the move for Peyton Watson late this offseason, but an addition many overlooked during the summer is beginning to look like an essential one.
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Mario Hezonja's return to the NBA could prove to be critical for the Cavaliers, who are looking for any edge possible as they try to keep up with the East's improved rosters.
Hezonja, a former lottery pick of the Magic, spent six years out of the NBA before a stint with Real Madrid that included an MVP put him on the radar of front offices once again.
Here's a look at why Hezonja could be the NBA's most underrated offseason signing.
Why Mario Hezonja could be NBA's most underrated offseason signing
Hezonja was a role player for just about all of his first five seasons with the Magic, so what does he bring a title-hopeful Cavaliers team?
With Cleveland's core in place and unchanged, they aren't looking for him to be any kind of hero. Hezonja's veteran leadership is already making a difference. Facing the Nets on Saturday, he took the bold step of waving off Donovan Mitchell in the third quarter and explained his logic after the game.
"I told him [Mitchell] you're not supposed to bring the ball up under pressure because we need you in the last quarter," Hezonja told reporters. "We need you in the playoffs. We need you in game 80, game 60. Having somebody like me that can help. As I said on the first day, I'm here to help you."
Hezonja said it's "beneficial" any time he can take some of the pressure off the Cavaliers' stars, and that way of thinking could make a major difference as Cleveland tries to fine-tune its operation.
Hezonja appears to be a more fearless, hardened player after finding success in Spain, and he showcased his value as a rebounder with five boards in less than 20 minutes against Brooklyn. For just $2.85 million, what Hezonja can offer the Cavaliers team that needed help around the margins might make him a bargain.
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Mario Hezonja stats
Entering Monday night, Hezonja was off to a solid start through two games with the Cavaliers:
GamesPPGRPGAPGSPGFG%3P%29.54.01.51.544.4%25.0%Hezonja shot 2-for-3 from 3-point range after an 0-5 Cleveland debut, and he also recorded three steals through his first two games while averaging under 20 minutes per night.