Memphis Grizzlies: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018

By Tim Maclean | Jun 30, 2018

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 17: Avery Bradley #22 of the Detroit Pistons shoots as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends at Air Canada Centre on January 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

5. Mario Hezonja

2017-18 Stats: 9.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG

Since being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Mario Hezonja has largely been a disappointment through his first three NBA seasons. However, at just 23 years old, he still has plenty of time to grow into the type of player many scouts projected him to be.

At 6’8″ and 215 pounds, Hezonja has the prototypical size of a modern-day wing. His potential to become a serious offensive weapon both off the catch and the dribble should intrigue Memphis.

Though his 33.6 percent career success rate from beyond the arc leaves a lot to be desired, it doesn’t tell the whole story, and it’s fair to wonder if his fluctuating role with the Magic affected his ability to find a rhythm. Prior to declaring for the draft, he made 38.5 percent of his 3s across three leagues in 2014-15, so past success is there, and his 83.7 percent career free throw shooting suggests a soft touch.

Hezonja was particularly good off the dribble last season, making a respectable 36.4 percent of his pull-up 3s and over 50 percent of his overall looks when taking anywhere between 1-6 dribbles before the shot.

The Grizzlies don’t have another guy besides Mike Conley that can create his own offense, especially if Tyreke Evans ends up somewhere else this offseason. Perhaps a change of scenery will allow Hezonja to put it all together and be that guy. At the very least, Memphis would be adding a young, sneaky athletic piece to their aging core.

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