Mario Hezonja
Age: 20
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 200 pounds
After spending multiple years playing professionally in Spain, Hezonja is one of the most polarizing figures in this year’s NBA Draft because of his hot-and-cold production and attitude.
Due to the fact that Hezonja has been playing overseas, there aren’t too many definitive statements that can be made about his strengths and weaknesses because he hasn’t been exposed to the scrutiny that his American counterparts have been subject to.
Nevertheless, it is obvious to see, even from a few clips, that the guy can score. Outside of his sweet shooting stroke (he is shooting 37.6 percent from the 3-point line this season), Hezonja is a very good athlete with the ability to play the passing lanes on defense and finish above the rim on offense. In addition to his athleticism and jump shooting, he has shown (albeit scarcely) that he has the ability to create off the dribble in pick-and-roll situations, which would allow him to become a true No. 1 scoring option for the Sixers somewhere down the line.
While it’s clear that Hezonja has the ability to score, the fact that he has had 15 games this season where he has gone scoreless, should be a red flag.
Hezonja is a passionate player, and that passion can rub some people the wrong way when things go awry.
On defense, it is true that Hezonja jumps the passing lanes fairly well, but when he isn’t getting steals Hezonja can become disengaged, which isn’t something the 76ers don’t need in a player, considering how poorly they played on that end of the floor last season.
Furthermore, there are some concerns over Hezonja’s attitude towards the game and towards teammates. Hezonja is a passionate player, and that passion can rub some people the wrong way when things go awry. On the other end of the spectrum, Hezonja’s fervent pleas to his teammates can be viewed as strong leadership, which is a positive on a 76ers team that is devoid of any leaders. Hezonja is a passionate player, and that passion can rub some people the wrong way when things go awry. Considering that Hezonja has all the physical and skill traits needed to be a great shooting guard, one has to wonder how big of an issue Hezonja’s demeanor really is considering he only plays 15.3 minutes per game.
Additionally, on a team that lacks true veteran presence, a divisive personality like his might not be what’s best for them.
In terms of how he fits with the 76ers, he seems to fill the giant hole at the shooting guard position which was occupied by the likes of Wroten and whatever was left of Jason Richardson last season. Although it might be better to address a more integral position like point guard, selecting Hezonja and teaming him up with Embiid, Noel and fellow Croatian national team member Dario Saric, would theoretically create nightmares for opposing defenses.
Next: Kristaps Porzingis