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Mario Hezonja is back on the NBA radar. The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 Draft has rebuilt his reputation with Real Madrid and looks like a perfect modern player for the league.
According to Chema de Lucas, Hezonja has informed Real Madrid that he will be leaving and looking to take his talents to the NBA.
Hezonja, at 6’8″ and 220 lbs, didn’t exactly set the NBA on fire, posting 6.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.2 BPG on 41.7% FG and 31.9% 3-PT FG in 330 games over five seasons with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Since leaving following the 2019-20 season, Hezonja has become one of Europe’s best two-way forwards, posting 17.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.1 BPG on 46.5% FG and 36.6% 3-PT FG last season with Real Madrid. He reminded us what made him a coveted prospect coming out of Croatia.
While he’s unlikely to return as a franchise-changing star, the 31-year-old has developed into a versatile wing capable of helping a contender or playoff hopeful. Without question, these three teams stand out as the best fits.
1. Orlando Magic
Sometimes, a reunion makes the most sense. We know that Hezonja’s first stint in Orlando never came close to meeting expectations.
Drafted No. 5 overall in 2015, he struggled to earn consistent minutes, bounced in and out of the rotation, and never found the confidence that made him a European sensation.
Hezonja averaged only 6.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 41.8% FG and 33.2% 3-PT FG over 18.4 MPG. He got his chances, just never made the most of them.
Now, 10 years later, both sides are in completely different places.
The Magic need fresh energy in the Eastern Conference, led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Unlike during Hezonja’s first run, Orlando wouldn’t be asking him to become a star.
He just needs to come in and space the floor and add valuable depth off the bench. At the very least, Hezonja goes to where he knows best.
After a long time, Hezonja returns as a far more mature player, while the Magic are in a better place since the player’s rookie year in 2015-16. A 2nd chance is the best situation for the Croatian.
2. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have spent the offseason looking for affordable veterans who can contribute immediately, and Hezonja checks plenty of boxes. It seems GM Rafael Stone doesn’t want to just sign players based on merit; he wants a player who can do it all without many weaknesses defensively or athletically.
By looking at the signings of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, and the re-signing of Tari Eason, the Rockets need a certain type of role player.
Hezonja’s ability to knock down perimeter shots while defending multiple positions makes him an intriguing low-risk addition. He can also do the little things, such as going for rebounds and handling the ball a little bit.
The Rockets need someone who can handle the pressures of handling expectations, and Hezonja has that.
Competing for Real Madrid means facing championship expectations every season, and that experience could help ease his transition back into the NBA spotlight.
In a role that includes shooting, defense, and playing 20 minutes per game, Hezonja could become one of the offseason’s better value signings for the Rockets.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
If Hezonja wants the best opportunity to revive his NBA career, Portland may offer the clearest path to meaningful minutes.
The Trail Blazers have undergone significant roster changes this offseason with the arrival of Ja Morant. Alongside Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers have a ton of guard-led scoring and need a player who can provide length, size, and shooting.
Standing 6’8″, Hezonja’s versatility allows him to play either forward position, giving head coach Micah Nori an option in the wing rotation. He shot a career 31.9% from deep in his first stint, but the experienced veteran will likely get that number up far more in the upcoming season.
At this point, Portland can afford to take a chance on a player looking to reestablish himself. The organization has repeatedly shown a willingness to gamble on talented players with something to prove, and Hezonja certainly fits that description.
For Hezonja, if he believes he still belongs in the NBA, joining a team that can offer consistent playing time may be the fastest way to prove it. Portland represents exactly that opportunity because they need a veteran who can follow in the mold of a player like Deni Avdija.
