While he has already refused two contract extensions from Real Madrid, and he would have a serious touch with arch-enemy FC Barcelona, Mario Hezonja could wait longer and gauge the interest of NBA franchises. This is what reports Mark Stein. At 29, the Croatian is free from any contract, and four years after his departure from the United States, he could give himself another chance in the NBA.
Fifth choice in the 2015 Draft after his training in Barcelona, Mario Hezonja had never managed to establish himself, whether at the Magic, the Knicks, and finally the Blazers.
Returning to Europe, he first regained confidence at Panathinaikos then at UNICS Kazan in Russia. For two years, he played at Real Madrid, and this season, he averaged nearly 12 points per game.
Two years ago, he mentioned a return to the NBA. As long as you find the right team, at the right time.
“ I can't say it's easier to play there because I didn't have the chance to have an important role there. The paradox is that if the game is more difficult in Europe, during my first year in Russia, I had better statistics. In the NBA, if you succeed, if you are pushed by the team, the staff and the management, it will be incredible, you will be able to do anything. The pitch is bigger, you play a lot more one-on-one and you can show your individual qualities. In Europe you have to be very smart. »
| Mario Hezonja | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2015-16 | ENT | 79 | 18 | 43.3 | 34.9 | 90.7 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 6.1 |
| 2016-17 | ENT | 65 | 15 | 35.5 | 29.9 | 80.0 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 4.9 |
| 2017-18 | ENT | 75 | 22 | 44.2 | 33.7 | 81.9 | 0.6 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 9.6 |
| 2018-19 | NYK | 58 | 21 | 41.2 | 27.6 | 76.3 | 0.5 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 8.8 |
| 2019-20 | POR | 53 | 16 | 42.2 | 30.8 | 81.4 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 4.8 |
| Total | 330 | 19 | 41.7 | 31.9 | 81.2 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 6.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
