If Mario Hezonha entered the NBA in 2015 as the fifth pick in the draft, he was 20 years old and listed at 6’6″ and 190 pounds. Returning to the league with Cavaliers After 11 years, the 31-year-old forward has turned into a bigger, stronger and more confident player, according to reports Chris Fedor of Cleveland.comwho says Hezonjo is now 6’9″ and 260 lbs.
“I remember how I looked as a child” Hezonja talked about his first stint in the NBA, which lasted from 2015-20. “I was very talented, but I wasn’t physically ready. Now I’m coming back at 6-foot-9 and 260. It adds to the versatility that the team can use. It’s really helpful to have players like that who can help out on the court with a lot of things, show them, be open to them and everything else. That’s definitely a versatility that I think is not only the NBA, but the whole world. basketball”.
Playing in Europe for six seasons from 2020-26, Hezonha added to his resume by winning the EuroLeague title as well as domestic championships in Spain and Greece. He also made the All-Euroleague second team in 2024 and was named MVP of the Russian VTB United League in 2022. However, he is ready to play an additional role in Cleveland, saying this week that he is bringing a “give back” mentality to his new situation, Fedor wrote.
As part of a thorough interview with Mark Medina of Fadeaway WorldCavaliers center Jarrett Allen offered newcomers Hezonja and Peyton Watson will bring “length and physicality” to the roster and singled out Hezonjo as a player who can exceed expectations on the defensive end of the floor.
“Mario is able to be on the court and influence the defense more than you think” Allen said. “I think he can switch from one to four, maybe even five. He’s got quick feet. He’s a solid vet. He’s seen basketball around the world a long time ago. He understands how the game is played.”
We’ve got more from across the Central Division:
- New Pacers center Ivitsa Zubak doesn’t throw the ball like former starting fives Miles Turnerbut Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports makes the case that Zubac might be an even better fit in Indiana than Turner was. Greg Doyle of The Indianapolis Star (subscription required), who is also optimistic about Zubak’s attack, notes this Walker Kessler and Isaiah Hortenstein were among the other Giants on the Pacers’ radar last season. Kessler and Hartenstein signed contracts worth $129.5 million and $75 million, respectively, this offseason, while Zubak is owed just over $42 million over the next two years, making him a better fit for Indiana hat too.
- Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan talked about Jarras Walker playing in a “simplified role” this season while head coach Rick Carlisle says he wants the fourth-year forward to become a “great system player.” Akeem Glaspie of The Indianapolis Star (subscription required). The terms may have negative connotations, Glaspie writes, but Carlyle believes Walker will bring “tremendous value” if he succeeds in the role. “Guys like him with his physical tools and skills, if they’re solid system players who can build trust; let’s be honest, it’s a lot of money.” said Carlisle. “Why wouldn’t you be interested in that?” The former eighth overall pick is currently eligible for a rookie-scale extension as he enters the final year of his contract.
- Buddy Hield looking to contribute to his new team both on and off the pitch, trans Joe Cawley of The Chicago Sun-Timeswhich notes that Bykov Wing spoke this week about serving as a veteran leader and supporting and mentoring youth as Caleb Wilson, Matas Bouzelisand Josh Giddy. Head coach Tiago Splitter believes Hield’s gravitas as an outside shooter will open up more floor space for these young players. “He was in that league; he knows what it takes.” Splitter said of Hild. “He’s been on championship teams. He’s a guy who can get a bucket; he can score. We need a shot and we’ll go from there.”
